[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 12, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING IDUS ``BABE'' CONNER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 1999

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, just a few weeks ago, a good friend of mine, 
Idus ``Babe'' Conner, was honored for his service to the citizens of 
Lenoir City and Loudon County, Tennessee.
  For the last 21 years, Babe Conner has been an active member of the 
Lenoir City Council. Babe is, no doubt, one of the most respected 
leaders in Loudon County and indeed throughout East Tennessee.
  Before Mr. Conner was elected to the City Council, he served as a 
Loudon County Commissioner for 20 years. He even spent time as a 
Justice of the Peace, marrying many couples without charging a fee for 
his services.
  Mr. Speaker, above all of this, Babe Conner is a family man. In 1946, 
he married Juanita Jennings and enjoyed 51 years of marriage until her 
death in 1997. That marriage produced a beautiful family. Babe and 
Juanita have one son and one daughter and four grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Babe Conner is also a God-fearing man who has served in 
many leadership positions in the First Presbyterian Church since its 
formation on October 13, 1957. He has even served as an Elder longer 
than any other church member. Mr. Conner is truly an outstanding role 
model for our children today.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that I join with the citizens of Loudon County 
and Lenoir City in congratulating Idus ``Babe'' Conner for his service 
and devotion to the citizens of East Tennessee. I am proud to call him 
a friend, and I wish him well in the years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Idus ``Babe'' Conner for his 
service to the citizens of East Tennessee and the rest of our thankful 
Nation. I have included a copy of a Lenoir City Resolution honoring 
Babe Conner that I would like to call to the attention of my fellow 
members and other readers of the Record.

       Whereas, the governing body of the City of Lenoir City has 
     adopted a policy of recognizing and honoring outstanding 
     individuals living in Lenoir City, Tennessee, and
       Whereas, Idus ``Babe'' Conner will celebrate his 80th 
     birthday on April 1999, being born in the year of our Lord 
     1919; and
       Whereas, Idus ``Babe'' Conner was married in 1946 to 
     Juanita Jennings and was devoted husband to her for 51 years 
     until she went to be with our Lord in 1997; and
       Whereas, Idus ``Babe'' is the proud father of one son, 
     Gary, and one daughter, Susan, and the grandfather of two 
     grandsons, Richard and Cory, and two granddaughters, Angela, 
     and Hannah, whom he loves dearly; and
       Whereas, Idus ``Babe'' was born upstairs in a house on 
     Kingston Street and has lived in Lenoir City all of his life. 
     He was educated in the school of Lenoir City, where he 
     participated in all sports activities. Upon graduating from 
     high school, he enlisted in the Air Force, where he served 
     four and a half years in Ground Forces; and
       Whereas, Idus ``Babe'' Connor became a Justice of the Peace 
     in 1960. He married between 75 and 100 couples during his 
     tenure without charging for the service. If a donation was 
     given, he gave it back to the bride. He loves to tell 
     humorous stories about the couples he encountered who were 
     seeking his services to get married. In 1978 Conner was 
     elected to the City Council, from which he will retire this 
     month. He has been a strong supporter of our school system, 
     both supporting the Lenoir City School system as well as 
     sponsoring the motion to construct the present Loudon High 
     School during his tenure as County Commissioner. We shall 
     always be grateful for his sincere dedication and service to 
     the citizens of Lenoir City; and
       Whereas, Idus ``Babe'' Conner retired from Martin Marietta 
     in 1983 after over 33 years of continuous service; and
       Whereas, Idus ``Babe'' Conner has been a Presbyterian all 
     of his life and has been a pillar in the First Presbyterian 
     Church since its formation October 13, 1957. He was the 
     church's first choir director and song leader and has served 
     as Sunday school teacher and Deacon. He has served as Elder 
     longer than any other church member.
       Now, therefore, I Charles T. Eblen, Mayor of the City of 
     Lenoir City, Tennessee, do hereby PROCLAIM that Idus ``Babe'' 
     Conner be recognized and singularly honored April 19, 1999 on 
     Idus ``Babe'' Conner Day in Lenoir City, Tennessee.
       Be it further proclaimed that a copy of this proclamation, 
     signed by the Mayor, attested by the City Recorder, and 
     bearing the great seal of the City be presented to Idus 
     ``Babe'' Conner.

     

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