[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 49 (Monday, April 12, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO VIRGIL G. LOVITT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 12, 1999

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, on March 24, 1999, the city of Sharonville, 
Ohio, lost one of its finest citizens. Virgil G. Lovitt, a leader in 
the business world as well as the community, passed away at the age of 
63. A great friend to many people, myself included, he did more for 
Sharonville quietly from behind the scenes than most people will ever 
know.
  A very successful businessman, Mr. Lovitt founded a State Farm 
insurance agency in 1957. In 1985, he represented Ohio for the annual 
agents field planning conference at the home office in Bloomington, 
Illinois. He was a State Farm Millionaire Life agent over 20 times. He 
was one of the first State Farm agents in Ohio to receive the series 6 
security license. At the time of his death, he was national director 
and a member of Insurance Risk Management and a committee member of the 
Family Motor Coach Association.
  However, when people think of Virgil Lovitt, most will remember his 
willingness to serve and his desire to improve the lives of those 
around him. As a result of his commitment to serve the public, he spent 
1963-1975 as President of the Sharonville City Council. He was 
Sharonville's ward chairman for over 20 years. Mr. Lovitt was also a 
member of the Hamilton County Republican Central Committee and 
Executive Committee, chairman of the Hamilton County Tax Incentive 
Review Board and member of the Sharonville Chamber of Commerce.
  Remarkably, he made time to be involved in the civic world as well. 
He was a past President and Secretary of the Sharonville Kiwanis Club 
and started its annual Halloween party. He was honored as the Kiwanian 
of the year as well as Kiwanian of the year for Spiritual Aims. Mr. 
Lovitt was active in the Sharonville arts and crafts show for 22 years.
  Even more important to Virgil was his family. He was married to his 
wife Marilyn for 44 years and they had two children. Their son Virgil 
is the mayor of Sharonville, and is married to Tracey; they have three 
children--Amanda, Glen and Amberly. Their daughter, Vickey Sasser, is 
married to Dennis and they have two children--Andrea and Andrew. Virgil 
was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be missed the 
most by his beloved family.
  Mr. Speaker, Virgil Lovitt's drive to serve his fellow man can stand 
as an inspiration to us all. He was a true community leader and his 
life's work will stand as a constant reminder to me and all who knew 
him that service to others is a noble call to be answered.

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