[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E572-E573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF HERMAN A. ENGEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2002

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor the 
memory of Herman Engel of Tyler, TX, who recently passed at the age of 
85. He was a war hero, pioneering oil man, and beloved community 
activist and father.
  Herman first started in the oil industry working for Shell Oil in 
Houston, where he was born. After graduating from LSU with a degree in 
Petroleum Engineering he spent time in East Texas, Houston, and 
Oklahoma working for various oil companies. He moved to East Texas 
permanently in 1976 to run the East Texas Salt Water Disposal Company 
and remained active with the company even after his retirement in 1989. 
Prior to 1976 he had been vice president of APCO Oil Corporation and of 
Union Texas Petroleum, both of which were in Tulsa, OK.
  As a professional he was recognized as a leader. In 1983 he was 
selected as a ``Pioneer Engineer'' by the Petroleum Landmen, Petroleum 
Geologists and Petroleum Engineers of East Texas. He was an Honorary 
Life Member of the Independent Petroleum Association of America and was 
a Distinguished Member of the Petroleum Engineers. He also served as 
vice president and director of both the Society of Petroleum Engineers 
and the American Institute of Mining.
  Before he began his professional career, Herman served his country in 
the Second World War. This true American hero was an officer in the 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and spent 1\1/2\ years in Alaska in 
addition to his 2\1/2\ in the South Pacific.
  While in Tyler he was an integral part of the community and played a 
major part in helping to make East Texas a better place for everyone. 
He served as a vice president and director of the Tyler Area Chamber of 
Commerce. He was a long-time director of East-Texas Lighthouse for the 
Blind, and was an active supporter of several local organizations and 
foundations. Among those were Louisiana State University, Tyler Junior 
College, and the Tyler Independent School District. He was also a 
devoted trustee of the Watson W. Wise Foundation.
  In passing, Mr. Engel leaves behind two daughters Dee Landers and 
Alice Beam; a

[[Page E573]]

sister Elizabeth Engel; and 6 grandchildren. He was a wonderful father, 
devoted husband, and beloved grandfather. Mr. Speaker, this was one of 
those men who made a lasting impact in everything that he did. We will 
remember with great respect everything this kind and caring man did for 
his community--Mr. Herman A. Engel.

                          ____________________