[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 136 (Friday, October 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO EARL AND EVA KIRK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 2, 1998

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th 
anniversary of Earl and Eva Kirk of West Frankfort, Illinois. It is a 
great honor to recognize this distinguished couple. They serve as 
excellent role models for Illinois and for future generations to 
follow. Their loving family celebrated Earl and Eva's milestone last 
month at a surprise party for them in West Frankfort. They are very 
dedicated Franklin county constituents, and it is my pleasure to 
acknowledge them as they celebrate their anniversary.
  I have known the Kirks for many years now, and Earl has always been a 
tremendous help, especially when I need his assistance with legislation 
relating to people with disabilities. He has been blind for the past 
eight years, and has been very active with the blind community focusing 
his attention on their concerns. Eva has been a great asset and 
strength for Earl and the Illinois Council of the Blind. Earl is not 
only an activist on their issues, but is also one of the founders of 
the Three County Blind Support Group in my hometown of Marion. Every 
year, when the nation's budget is decided in Congress, Earl and Eva 
participate in the legislative process by organizing letter campaigns, 
making appointments with various lawmakers, and pushing for the 
necessary research and funding for national blind programs. Their 
energy and attention on these issues has been tremendous and Illinois 
will be forever grateful for their dedication.
  The Kirks are Illinois natives, and are proud of their state and 
their nation. Earl served faithfully in the United States Infantry 
Division during World War II. As soon as he returned, he wanted to 
complete college at Southern Illinois University, but finished at 
Lockyears Business College in Evansville, Indiana. He met Eva in high 
school on a double date, but was interested in her, not the blind date 
he was with. But in 1948, he met Eva all over again. She was working as 
a cashier at the GTE West Frankfort office, and they were married the 
same year. Earl and Eva stayed in West Frankfort for a few years until 
he was hired as a miner and construction worker in New Mexico. Earl 
even got involved in local politics there, serving on the Democratic 
Policy State Central Committee. The Kirks called New Mexico home for 
almost six years, and it was there where they started raising their 
children Debbie and George.
  They eventually returned to West Frankfort in 1958, and helped 
increase the booming coal economy in southern Illinois as Earl worked 
in the construction of Freeman #5 Mine in Benton. Earl understood the 
power of unions, and immediately joined the United Mine Workers of 
America District 12. He later worked at Freeman #4 Mine near Johnston 
City, and retired in 1987. The Kirks have remained in southern Illinois 
since then, and have been faithful citizens of Franklin county. They 
are dedicated participants in civic organizations, such as the American 
Legion and the Lions Club. Moreover, the Kirks are faithful Christians 
and long time members of Ezra Church of God. They even have enough time 
to assist their local government and health associations. From the 
Williamson Human Services Agency to the Coalition of Citizens with 
Disabilities and the Illinois Council of the Blind, they exemplify the 
essence of Illinois citizenship.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the Kirks as they reach 
their milestone. What an honor to have such distinguished constituents 
like the Kirks serving their community, and their nation. I wish them 
my very best, and many blessings as they celebrate their 50 years of 
marriage.

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