[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 145 (Tuesday, October 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2109-E2110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO LEROY PARMENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 13, 1998

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, recently I was reminded that some of the 
best things in life are those things that too often go unnoticed. Leroy 
Parmenter was that way. A resident of Sikeston, Missouri, he was a man 
whose spirit of generosity and love for life was a bright sunshine in 
what these days too often seems like a gray and cloudy world. I wanted 
to share with all of you a few words from an article in the Sikeston 
Standard Democrat that recounted this remarkable individual's life.
  ``Leroy was one of those few who accomplished good deeds quietly. I 
had known Mr. Parmenter since Little League and graduated from high 
school with his son. But as a youngster I knew nothing about the 
selfless devotion and true concern for others that Leroy Parmenter 
showed every day of his life.''
  ``It is sometimes awkward to know a man when you're a youngster and 
then to work along side him when you're grown. But it wasn't that way 
with Leroy. I had the pleasure to work on community projects with Leroy 
and was always amazed with his enthusiasm and his love of people. And 
believe me, it was genuine love. There was not a phony bone in his 
body. He visited veterans' homes and nursing homes because he wanted to 
let people know that someone cared about them.''
  This past summer Leroy Parmenter passed away. While he isn't walking 
and talking with us on a daily basis, I know that his spirit remains 
with each of us who were touched by his kindness. His good works and 
thoughtful deeds have not gone unnoticed. And I hope that on those 
cloudy days, we'll remember others like Leroy Parmenter. You know, 
those

[[Page E2110]]

unique and caring men and women who as the Sikeston Standard Democrat 
noted, ``accomplish good deeds quietly. (Who) never sought/(seek) the 
spotlight--though are/(were) proud when projects are/(were) 
successful.''
  Mr. Speaker, the author of this article had it right, ``Leroy's 
reward was a smile on a kid's face. And he brought ample smiles through 
the years.'' Thank you Leroy--for the lives you touched--then and 
today.

                          ____________________