[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 88 (Tuesday, July 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN MEMORY OF U.S. REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAM J. RANDALL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2000

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a former member who was laid to rest today. U.S. Representative William 
J. Randall died earlier this week in his home town of Independence, 
Missouri. He served in the United States House of Representatives from 
1959 until 1977 representing Missouri's Fourth Congressional District. 
Through the years redistricting has changed the makeup of the districts 
in Missouri; his home address is now in the Fifth District which I 
currently represent. My Independence District Office is located in the 
U.S. Post Office which now bears his name. Known for his tireless 
constituent services, my office is inspired by him daily to serve our 
citizens to the best of our ability.
  Congressman Randall had a distinguished career here in the Peoples' 
House. Elected to fill a vacancy in March of 1959, he served eight 
additional full terms. His service in the House included work on the 
House Government Operations Committee. As Chairman of the Government 
Activities and Transportation Subcommittee he exercised oversight over 
the Federal Aviation Administration. He is credited with playing a 
major role in the process of selecting and training air traffic 
controllers, resulting in improved service and performance in air 
safety. His tenure is also noteworthy in that he represented then 
retired President Truman.
  As a member of the Armed Services Committee, he rose to the 
Chairmanship of the NATO Subcommittee. He was an expert in the 
understanding of the relationship with America and its European allies 
in the Cold War era.
  In his final term in Congress Representative Randall accepted 
additional responsibility and was named Chairman of the Select 
Committee on Aging and was an effective advocate for the senior 
citizens.
  Probably the highest tribute I am aware of for Congressman Randall 
comes from remarks on the occasion of his retirement by his colleague 
U.S. Representative J.J. Pickle of Texas. In his remarks about the work 
on the Armed Services Committee, Congressman Pickle said of Bill 
Randall: ``. . . many of us can sleep better at night because Bill 
Randall was so diligent in his duties.'' Following his service in 
Congress, Representative Randall returned to his home town of 
Independence, Missouri, and resumed the practice of law.
  Born in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, July 16, 1909, he 
graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1927, Junior College of 
Kansas City, Missouri, in 1929, University of Missouri in 1931, and 
Kansas City School of Law in 1936. He served in the United States Army 
in World War II in the southwest Pacific and the Philippines. Elected 
as a judge of the Jackson County Court in 1946 he served in that 
capacity until elected to Congress in 1959. He was a valued mentor to 
me. His advise was wise and insightful. A man of the people, he 
continued attending community events and visiting with patrons at the 
Courthouse Exchange Restaurant on the Square in Independence, the city 
he loved and returned to. Everyone in the area knew Bill Randall and 
appreciated his service and down-to-earth style.
  He is preceded in death by his wife Margaret and survived by his 
daughter, Mary Pat Wilson and his very dear friend and companion Helen 
Keen, to whom we offer our sincere condolences.

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