[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 101 (Thursday, July 19, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO PHYLLIS AND ELMER WELLMAN ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 
                        50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2001

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
congratulate Phyllis and Elmer Wellman, of Delphos, Ohio, on the recent 
celebration of their golden wedding anniversary.
  Elmer J. Wellman married Phyllis A. Davis on July 16, 1951. After 
they were wed, the Wellmans settled in Delphos, Ohio. Their first 
priority throughout their lives have been their three children: Pat, 
Jim, and Mark, my Chief of Staff. They are also the devoted 
grandparents of four grandchildren.
  Both Elmer and Phyllis were raised in farming families during the 
Great Depression. That common experience gave both of them an 
appreciation for the truly important things in life. They have also 
distinguished themselves as accomplished professionals and have 
generously contributed to their community.
  Elmer recently retired from farming. He has also been active in civic 
positions including the Van Wert County Hospital Board, the former 
Peoples National Bank of Delphos, the Delphos Country Club and is a 
retired high school basketball referee.
  Phyllis recently retired from her third career. After raising her 
three children, Phyllis returned to the profession of teaching. Her 
patient, yet demanding teaching style helped prepare countless students 
for the working world. She retired from teaching in 1978, only to serve 
in the administrative office of Wellman Seeds, Inc. until her 
retirement last year.
  Mr. Speaker, the institution of marriage provides the strength that 
holds our communities together. Maintaining a marriage requires 
sacrifice, understanding, patience, and sometimes forgiveness by both 
husband and wife. Marking the fiftieth anniversary of a marriage is a 
very special occasion for not only the couple, but also for the family, 
friends, and community they have touched.
  It has been my privilege to know Phyllis and Elmer Wellman for more 
than twenty years. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending to them 
our very best on their golden anniversary and to wish them many more 
years of happiness together.




                          ____________________