[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 98 (Friday, July 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO CLARENCE R. WHEELER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 11, 1997

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a civic leader 
and respected member of the southwest Missouri business community, 
Clarence R. Wheeler, of Springfield, MO.
  Clarence was a devoted husband to Edna and his family was his 
priority. His presence will be missed by family, friends, the business 
community, and the entire region.
  Mr. Wheeler was another example that the American dream continues to 
live. Starting in 1948, Mr. Wheeler took a vision, molded it with 
endless hours of hard work, and created the region's most successful 
chain of 38 supermarkets. The patrons to his Consumers Markets liked 
his innovative and forthright style that brought them top quality 
products at competitive prices. He was a strong moral leader of the 
region and for four decades his store reflected his belief in what was 
good for families.
  His employees knew he had an open door policy and paid a fair wage; 
Clarence was a man of honesty and integrity who was a good listener to 
employees and customers alike.
  Mr. Wheeler also gave back to the community with the spirit of a 
giver. He was a generous giver to charities like the Kitchen, the 
Missouri Baptist Home, Blood Center of the Ozarks, Southwest Baptist 
University, and the Good Samaritan Boy's Ranch. He was active in civic 
clubs, the local Chamber of Commerce, and his church.
  His tough but fair approach won him praise from business associates 
who said ``he had as much concern about the employees as he did the 
company and the company profits. We need more businessmen like him. The 
world would be a better place.'' Clarence Wheeler's peers in the 
business community, others who hoped to build their small business as 
he did, charities in the Ozarks and around the world, his family and 
friends benefited from his life and example.

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