[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BOB TEDFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
late Robert A. (Bob) Tedford, one of the most influential citizens and 
civic leaders of Farmersville, TX, during the past quarter of a 
century. Bob died recently after a sudden illness, and he was such a 
pervasive presence in the community that his absence is difficult to 
accept and to measure.
  Bob's influence in Farmersville began in 1963, when he moved there to 
establish the Bob Tedford Chevrolet Co., which, under his leadership, 
developed into a thriving business. His energy, enthusiasm, and ability 
to relate to people were keys to his success in business and also to 
his community leadership. Bob's imprint could be seen in almost every 
civic organization and leadership position in Farmersville.
  Bob served as mayor, city councilman, and school board president. He 
was instrumental in obtaining funding to rebuild a State highway 
through downtown Farmersville. He was president of Farmersville 
Centennial and a founder of Old Time Saturday, an annual civic 
fundraising event that has raised an estimated $200,000 over the years 
for the library and other civic projects.
  Bob was past president of the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and 
library board and was chairman of the board of First Bank of 
Farmersville. He was a lifetime charter member of the local Veterans of 
Foreign Wars, member of the Royal Order of Jesters, and member of 
Masonic Lodge No. 214 for 30 years--serving as past master and 
secretary. He was a patron of the Farmersville Order of the Eastern 
Star No. 940 and a member of the Hella Temple and Scottish Rites of 
Dallas.
  Sports were a particular passion. He was an avid golfer, a great 
baseball fan, and an ardent supporter of high school sports. He 
operated the game clock at Farmersville High School football games for 
30 years and attended the state basketball tournament every year except 
for one when he suffered a heart attack. He took special interest in 
the young people of Farmersville and was active in Little League and 
Boy Scouts.
  A native of Clearwater, TX, Bob served in the U.S. Army just after 
the end of the Korean war and earned the rank of sergeant. Afterwards, 
he worked for the railroad in Gene Autry, OK, where he met and married 
the former Sandra Haney in 1955. He is survived by Sandra, son and 
daughter-in-law Robbie and Kailyn Tedford, daughter and son-in-law 
Beverly and David Toney, sister Mrs. Glennis Lilley, brother Nelo 
Tedford, and four grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob Tedford was a friend to many and a friend of mine. 
He was a driving force in Farmersville and an inspiration to all who 
had the pleasure of knowing him--and he will be truly missed. He leaves 
behind a community service and compassion, however, that will be 
remembered for years to come, and as we adjourn today, let us do so in 
memory of and in honor of Robert A. ``Bob'' Tedford.

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