[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 28, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S771-S772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            ROBERT A. DEMARS

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of 
State Representative Robert A. DeMars of Michigan's 25th District, who 
passed away on October 21, 1996 while campaigning for an 8th term in 
office.
  Robert DeMars was a teacher by profession. For 26 years, he taught in 
the Lincoln Park Public School system. He served as local president of 
the Michigan Education Association and as local president, State vice 
president and National vice president of the American Federation of 
Teachers. Robert also served Lincoln Park as mayor, councilman and 
treasurer.
  Robert DeMars was a proud veteran who served during World War II in 
the U.S. Navy's Submarine Service. Protecting and improving the status 
of veterans was a cause that was very close to Robert's heart. As a 
State Representative, he introduced legislation to provide special 
license plates for veterans of WW I, WW II, the Korean and Vietnam wars 
to honor their service to the Nation. He was the chairman of the House 
Veterans' Affairs Committee from 1982 to 1994.

[[Page S772]]

  Despite Robert's numerous professional accomplishments during his 
lifetime, he never lost touch with his constituents. His down-to-earth 
style was a large part of his political success. Robert was a member of 
several charitable organizations as well as a sponsor of Little League 
baseball teams. His passing is a dramatic loss to many different 
segments of the community. Robert is survived by his wife Deanie and 
their daughter Maeann.
  On February 8, 1997, a Robert DeMars Memorial Charity Ball will be 
held to honor Robert's legacy and to raise money for the Make-A-Wish 
Foundation. This is a fitting tribute to Robert DeMars's life of public 
service and one I believe he would wholeheartedly approve of. I know my 
Senate colleagues join me in honoring the life of Robert A. 
DeMars.

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