[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 82 (Thursday, June 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              MY GOOD FRIEND HOMER C. JONES--GET WELL SOON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 1997

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding man, 
Homer C. Jones. Homer is currently in the hospital and I would like to 
wish him well and introduce this fine man to my colleagues and the rest 
of the country. He is a dedicated man who has always helped his fellow 
neighbors and contributed a great deal to his community.
  Homer was born in Galatia, IL, on July 30, 1908; his 90th birthday is 
just around the corner. He considers Benton, IL, his home, and besides 
his numerous volunteer efforts he served on the building commission for 
nearly 30 years. Homer is a well-rounded man, having won his division 
as a Golden Gloves boxer in 1925, and graduated from the Mohler Barber 
College in St. Louis. He then returned to Benton and started his career 
as a barber and is still giving people great haircuts today.
  In 1928, he married his first wife, Helen Fisher, and they had two 
children, Kenneth and Richard. Sadly, Helen was stricken with cancer 
and passed away after several years of marriage. In 1969, Homer met 
Vorsa Henly of West Frankfort, IL, fell in love, and they have been a 
happily married couple ever since. They have been able to share the joy 
of raising her two daughters Becky Cook and Leslie Higginson.
  As an active resident of Benton, Homer has held many elected offices, 
including precinct committeeman for four terms, president of the Lions 
Club for four terms, a former Elk Club and Moose Club member, and 
chairman of the Franklin County Zoning Board. He organized the first 
stock club in Benton, was elected for 36 years to the Benton Community 
Center Board, and is also a dedicated 60-year member of the First 
Baptist Church of Benton.
  Mr. Speaker, as you can see, Homer has dedicated his life to serving 
his community. Now it is our turn to thank Homer for all of the energy 
and love he expended for so many years to make Benton, IL, a better 
place. Homer, I will be praying for your recovery and wish you well. It 
has been an honor to represent you in the U.S. Congress.

                          ____________________