[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 129 (Thursday, September 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF JUDGE MAXINE DARST

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                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 1998

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of a great American and long time constituent--Judge 
Evelyn Maxine Valentine Darst. Presiding as the Kaufman County Judge 
for her fourth consecutive term, Judge Darst continues her life long 
service to the preservation of our great legal system.
  Born in Edgewood, Texas, Judge Darst moved to Terrell at an early 
age, where she has remained all her life. Intrigued by the law and 
dedicated to helping others, Judge Darst entered law school and 
received her B.S. from East Texas State University. She was admitted to 
practice law in Texas in 1976 and practiced in Terrell with her husband 
until 1983. Judge Darst became an attorney in Kaufman County and was 
also the first female to practice law in Kaufman. In 1983, Maxine 
achieved another first--when she became the first female Kaufman County 
Judge.
  As Kaufman County Judge, Maxine has led the county to many 
improvements, including--a new Kaufman County Law Enforcement Center, a 
Kaufman County Emergency Children's Shelter, a Kaufman County Library, 
the hiring of a chief juvenile probation officer and a newly formed 
Public Works Department. Not only has Judge Darst greatly influenced 
County government, but she also has devoted her time and talents to 
such civic activities as the Kaufman County Child Welfare Board, 
Kaufman County Historical Commission Board, the Terrell Social Science 
Club, the Girl Scout Little House Board, the Terrell March of Dimes and 
the KauCedar Charities.
  Ever dedicated to her professional career and civic duties, Maxine 
also managed to remain a devoted wife and mother. Maxine Darst's life 
and achievements stand as an example for us all. Through hard work, 
dedication and desire Judge Evelyn Maxine Valentine Darst has shown us 
all that we can accomplish whatever goals we want to achieve.
  Mr. Speaker, this January, 1999, Judge Darst will retire from her 
seat as Kaufman County Judge. As we adjourn today, let us do so in 
honor of and respect for this great American--Judge Evelyn Maxine 
Valentine Darst.

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