[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 29, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S11340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   DEATH OF FORMER SENATE PRESS GALLERY SUPERINTENDENT DON C. WOMACK

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I was saddened to learn that Don C. Womack, 
who served as superintendent of the U.S. Senate Press Gallery from 1973 
to 1981, died of cancer Thursday morning at his home in Arlington at 
the age of 87.
  Don was born in Danville, Virginia August 22, 1910. He moved to the 
Washington Area in 1935, and attended the Corcoran School of Art and 
George Washington University. He managed a string of movie theaters in 
Northern Virginia before taking a job as staff assistant in the House 
of Representatives Periodical Press Gallery in 1948, beginning a 33-
year career as a press liaison on Capitol Hill.
  Don began working in the Senate Press Gallery in 1951. He briefly 
left to serve as superintendent of the House Periodical Gallery in 1954 
and 1955, then returned to the Senate to be deputy superintendent, and 
continued in that capacity until his promotion in 1973.
  Don became superintendent of the Senate gallery during a tumultuous 
time--the beginning of the Watergate hearings. He weathered the storm, 
and received a commendation from the Standing Committee of 
Correspondents, the governing body of the Congressional press 
galleries, for his handling of the hearings.
  During his tenure as superintendent, Don presided over press coverage 
of the Senate during such major events as the end of the Vietnam War, 
the Panama Canal Treaties debates, and the 
ABSCAM hearings. He assisted with media arrangements for the Republican 
and Democratic Conventions and the Presidential Inaugurals from 1948 to 
1988. He was a tremendous help to Senators, staff members and the 
members of the press.
  A Southern gentleman with a quick wit and warm sense of humor, Don 
was one of the true characters to roam the halls of Congress. He was 
beloved by reporters and Senators alike for his storytelling, his 
affable nature, and his seemingly endless repertoire of jokes. He will 
be greatly missed.
  My deepest sympathy goes out to his wife, Mary Womack; his two 
daughters, Kay Duda of Alexandria and Patricia Fair of Eatontown, New 
Jersey; his five grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren, and his 
great-great grandson.

                          ____________________