[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 38 (Friday, March 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E555-E556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORY OF E.M. KNIGHT OF HOUSTON, TX

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of a valuable 
member of the Houston community, E.M. Knight, who passed away on 
Saturday, March 8, 1997.
  E.M. Knight was among Houston's most prominent community leaders, 
acting as a beacon for social justice and equality. He was a man of 
great character and great action, who gave Houston his all. Whether as 
a local chapter president of the NAACP or as Sunday school 
superintendent, precinct judge, or deacon at East Macedonia BC, E.M. 
Knight made a difference in so many lives. His legacy of service to the 
Houston community will be felt far beyond his passing. He was truly one 
of a kind who will be greatly missed.
  E.M. Knight treated everyone in Houston as if they were family, and 
now that family mourns his passing. I ask unanimous consent to insert 
in the Record at this point an article and obituary which appeared in 
the Houston Chronicle on March 13, 1997.

                              E.M. Knight

       Ellis M. Knight (E.M.) departed this life on March 8, 1997, 
     at the age of 84 years, 9 months and 5 days. He was born in 
     Odenburg Louisiana to Mary Smoot and Ellis M. Knight Sr. The 
     family moved to Houston after devastating floods. He was 
     preceded in death by his parents, 14 brothers and sisters, 
     and his wife Elease. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife 
     Janet, sons Ellis III, Ronald and Alan Wayne Knight, sisters 
     Mary Harris and Loys Davis Gatterson, daughter-in-law Edna, 
     grandchildren Sharmane Stewart, Andre and Terrion Knight, 
     great-grandson, Quentin Ellis Stewart, 4 stepdaughters, 9 
     stepgrandchildren, brother-in-law Cleve Gatterson, 6 sisters-
     in-law, a host of cousins, nieces & nephews and many, many 
     friends.
       He served in the United States Army. He retired from 
     Southern Pacific Railroad after 37\1/2\ years of service, and 
     since has been actively involved in community service, church 
     activities and the political arena.
       During his lifetime he served in many capacities: as NAACP 
     local chapter president, president of HCCO, founding and life 
     member of NCNW Elease J. Knight section, chair of Gulf Coast 
     Community Services Board of Directors, coordinator for 
     Operation Big Vote, chair of Martin Luther King Health Center 
     Council and chair of the Council-at-Large (HCHD), PTA 
     president and VIPS at Fairchild Elementary, chairperson of 
     the Keenage Klub, Sunday School Supt. and deacon at East 
     Macedonia BC, and chair of deacon board, benevolence and 
     building committees at South Park Baptist Church.
       In spite of serious health problems, he remained active as 
     Precinct Judge in Pct. 0240, a position he held faithfully 
     since 1966; deacon at South Park BC, director for the Houston 
     Food Bank Pantry at South Park BC,

[[Page E556]]

     and chair of Community Services for the church. He was a 
     Mission Service Corps Volunteer under the Home Mission Board 
     of the Southern Baptist Church. He was a member of Magnolia 
     Lodge #3. He was a mover and a shaker who wanted to see 
     things accomplished for his country, state, city, community 
     and church.
       His motto was Matthew 25:34 ``For I was hungry and you fed 
     me.'' His will be ``hard shoes to fill'' and he will be 
     missed by many. Visitation at the funeral home on Thursday 
     from 8 to 10 p.m. Body will lie in state at South Park 
     Baptist Church, 5830 Van Fleet, 10-11 a.m. Friday followed by 
     the funeral at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Marvin C. DeLaney 
     officiating. He will join his beloved Elease at Houston 
     National Cemetery.

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