[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRUE LOCAL HERO--LEROY ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 1997

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to one of my 
dearest friends, LeRoy Anderson. He passed away on July 27, 1997, 
leaving a legacy of kindness and consideration that will be remembered 
by all who knew him. I am proud to say that I knew LeRoy, he was an 
active member in the Marion area and he touched many lives--especially 
in the field of education.
  LeRoy was born on June 17, 1935, to Albert and Bessie Anderson. On 
July 7, 1956, he married Doris Feurer, his beloved wife for 41 
beautiful years. Leroy is also survived by his three daughters, 
Valerie, Vickie, and Stephanie, a sister and brother, Sue and George, 
and five much loved grandchildren. All will miss him dearly.
  The town of Marion, IL, has felt the indelible impact of LeRoy's 
commitment to his community, his church, and to Marion High School. 
LeRoy is an alumni of Southern Illinois University and proudly held a 
bachelor's and master's degree in both education and education 
administration. He was true to his profession and reached out to each 
and every student that set foot in his classroom.
  LeRoy began his professional career in Pittsburg, IL, as a fifth- and 
sixth-grade teacher. He then moved to the high school level where he 
taught American history, civics, and driver education. While the mind 
is important to develop, LeRoy helped round his students out by 
involving them in sports and coached the football, softball, and 
baseball teams. LeRoy was able to cash in on his talents from his youth 
where he was an all around athlete as a student at Marion High School 
playing football, baseball, basketball, and track.
  In 1980, LeRoy was promoted to principal of Marion High School and 
enjoyed an enduring tenure of 15 years. LeRoy was a local hero who did 
not hesitate to give back to his local neighbors and their children. 
His colleagues looked up to him for advice in their careers and his 
students were the benefactors of his love, understanding, and patience, 
especially when it came to driver education students.
  LeRoy was not only a leader in the education arena, but a spiritual 
leader in his local church community. For over 30 years he was a 
faithful member of Zion United Church of Christ in Marion, IL. There he 
taught Sunday school and helped with local functions. LeRoy served on 
the board and was never a hesitant member, and could always be counted 
on to serve his fellow parishioners.
  Mr. Speaker, LeRoy Anderson's legacy will live on. When we look at 
his life and his achievement, especially being awarded Citizen of the 
Year in 1975 by the Marion Chamber of commerce, serving on the Marion 
Park board for 1973-1977, his ability to initiate the Marion High 
School graduation spree, which began in 1991--the first of its kind in 
the local area, and jump starting the Marion Youth Baseball and 
Softball league, it is clear Leroy will be missed. No one could ever 
take his place. Mr. Speaker, LeRoy has touched my life--he lit the 
torch and the town of Marion, IL will always see him as an 
imspiration--a true local hero.

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