[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE DEOTIS GAY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 26, 2002

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of a longtime 
friend and respected former member of the La Porte City Council of La 
Porte, Texas, Deotis Gay, who passed away at his home on February 21, 
2002. The community of La Porte has lost one of their most beloved and 
respected citizens. Deotis was a constituent, colleague, and friend 
with whom I was privileged to know and work with. I will miss his 
wisdom and guidance.
  Mr. Gay was born December 19, 1931, in Kilgore, Texas, and moved to 
La Porte with his family when he was nine years old. He retired after 
working for Rohm and Haas Deer Park for 35 years. Besides his 20 years 
of service on the La Porte City Council that ended just this past year, 
Deotis was active in the National League of Cities, the Texas Municipal 
League, the Texas Black Caucus and the La Porte Community Civic Club. 
He was also a Mason and a member of the board of trustees of Zion Hill 
Baptist Church.
  Deotis was more than just a great civic leader; he was also a great 
Texan, a loyal friend, and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. I 
offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Mary; his sons, Deotis Gay, 
Jr. and Anthony Gay; his daughter Cheryl Gay, his seven grandchildren, 
and his entire extended family. We feel for their loss as we mourn the 
passing of this exceptional man. Deotis was a true friend to everyone 
in La Porte and to me personally.

                          ____________________