[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 23, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROY AND FERN BARNES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2001

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Roy and Fern Barnes 
of Pasadena, Texas as they celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary on 
June 6, 2001. Roy and Fern have exhibited the finest principles in 
their service to their community and their family.
  Roy Barnes was born in McAlester, Oklahoma, on April 30, 1920. He 
graduated from Henryetta High School in Henryetta, Oklahoma in 1938. 
Fern Barnes was born in Hannah, Oklahoma, on January 27, 1922 and was 
named Ruth Fern Painter. She graduated from Henryetta High School in 
1938 and met Roy in 1940.
  They eloped in 1941 and were married by a Justice of the Peace in 
Holdenville, Oklahoma. Roy and Fern later moved to California so Roy 
could work in a shipyard. He joined the U.S. Army in 1944 to serve his 
country. After his service in World War II, he sought work in Texas and 
found it in 1947 at the Shell Chemical Company in Deer Park.
  Roy joined the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union 
in 1948. Actively involved in union affairs, Roy was elected as 
President of OCAW Local 4-367 in 1963. In 1970, he was elected to the 
full-time position of Secretary-Treasurer, a position he held for 
fourteen years, until he retired in 1984. He also served at the 
national level of the OCAW, as a member of the Executive Board, from 
1975 to 1983.
  Roy was also active in community affairs, such as serving on the 
Salvation Army Advisory Board. He was elected to the Harris County 
Democratic Executive Committee and served as Judge of Precinct 170 for 
twenty years.
  Fern was a full-time homemaker and mother. As her three children grew 
older, she participated more in local civic activities. She was a 
volunteer in several hospitals including Southmore, Veterans and Ben 
Taub for many years. She and Roy have been active in the Golden Acres 
Civic Club, where Fern has served in every office, including President. 
Fern was also appointed a member of the Harris County Appraisal 
District Appeals Board, serving for three years. She was also a member 
of the Pasadena Independent School District Equalization Board. She was 
also Assistant Precinct Judge in Precinct 170 for twenty years. She is 
still active today, currently serving as the Treasurer of the OCAW 4-
367 Retirees Club.
  Roy and Fern have contributed many efforts to improve our community. 
They are lifelong Democrats who have always upheld the principles of 
fairness, honesty and compassion. As part of their legacy, they raised 
three children who were taught that they have a duty to do that which 
was right, without concern for whether it was convenient or not. Each 
of the children became an active member of the community, one as a 
lawyer, one who became Secretary-Treasury of OCAW 4-367, following his 
father's example, and one who taught American Government for 29 years 
at San Jacinto College.
  Throughout 60 years of marriage, Roy and Fern Barnes have exhibited a 
loving relationship which has been an example of how a good marriage 
can work for the two people and their community. I want to congratulate 
Roy and Fern Barnes on this special occasion of celebrating their 60th 
Wedding Anniversary.




                          ____________________