[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 140 (Monday, October 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ELMER A. FERGUSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 30, 2000

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
American, and I am proud to recognize Elmer A. Ferguson in the Congress 
for his invaluable contributions and service to our nation.
  Elmer Ferguson distinguished himself through his devotion to his 
family, friends, and community. He was born in DeWitt, Arkansas on 
September 17th, 1910, the son of a local farmer. His family instilled 
in him the value of an education, and he and his sister enrolled at 
Arkansas Tech University in Russellville in 1930, but he was able to 
remain only for one year because of financial difficulties. Elmer never 
forgot his hardship, and he would later do everything he could to make 
sure that deserving students could go to college.
  Of course, Elmer made the most of his opportunities, despite his 
initial challenges. After returning from Russellville, he worked his 
way from a $15 a week job at a DeWitt grocery store to being the 
manager there. Eventually he became a successful grocery store owner, 
an accomplished farmer, and the well-respected board chairman of the 
DeWitt Bank and Trust Co., a position he held until he died last week.
  Elmer would probably count his family as his greatest success, 
however. After marrying Gladys Guthrie in 1934, he was blessed with 
three daughters, seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
  As mentioned earlier, Elmer always remembered his humble beginnings, 
and used his success to help others have the opportunities he missed. 
In 1987, he established the Elmer Ferguson and Gladys Ferguson 
Charitable Trust, which funded four-year college scholarships for 
DeWitt students. Elmer also donated a scholarship to the University of 
Mississippi.
  Elmer's generosity and empathy had no limit. He and Gladys gave 
$250,000 to the Children's Miracle Network Telethon, and underwrote the 
creation of the Neuroscience Unit at Arkansas Children's Hospital in 
Little Rock, which is named for them. Just eight years ago, both were 
also named to the honorary board of patrons by the Baptist Medical 
System Foundation in recognition of their support to that organization.
  Sadly, Elmer Ferguson passed away on Friday, about a month after 
Gladys died. They were great friends of mine, and I will miss them as 
much as their family, friends, and the great community of those who 
ever knew them. On behalf of the Congress, I extend my deepest 
sympathies to their family, even as I encourage them to join me in 
celebrating their extraordinary lives.

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