[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 50 (Wednesday, April 29, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               A MEMORIAL TO THE HONORABLE RALPH HEDRICK

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                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 1998

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to pay tribute to a fine 
Missouri legislator, former State Representative Ralph Hedrick, who 
recently passed away at the age of 72.
  Born in Sedalia, MO, on May 9, 1925, Ralph Hedrick spent his life 
contributing to the State of Missouri as a public servant and to our 
nation as a sailor in the Navy. Mr. Hedrick attended schools in Sedalia 
and Appleton City, MO, before serving in the United States Navy in 
World War II. During the war, he served on the U.S.S. Virginia, seeing 
active duty in the Pacific. For his honorable service, he was awarded 
the Pacific Area Campaign Medal (4 stars), the Philippine Liberation 
Medal (2 stars), the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Area 
Campaign Medal.
  Ralph Hedrick began his public service career as the Southern 
District Judge of the Bates County Court. However, his political career 
started much earlier, when he passed out campaign cards for Harry S. 
Truman's senatorial race in 1933. Ralph was elected to the Missouri 
House of Representatives in 1970 and served a total of 18 years. During 
his tenure, he represented districts 111, 116, and 123. Ralph Hedrick 
enjoyed working for and with people, and as a State Representative, he 
became very popular because of his respectfulness and honesty.
  Mr. Speaker, I am certain that the Members of the House will join me 
in paying tribute to Ralph Hedrick, an outstanding Missourian.

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