[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E575]]
                      TRIBUTE TO ROYCE WISENBAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2002

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in memory of a 
cherished East Texan, Royce E. Wisenbaker of Tyler, Texas, who passed 
away recently at the age of 84. Royce was one of the region's most 
gracious patrons. He devoted a lifetime to helping others in countless 
ways and through numerous organizations, and he is truly missed by all 
those who knew him.
  Born on July 23, 1917, Royce grew up in Mineola, where be graduated 
from high school. From there he attended Texas A&M University, earning 
a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering and a Master 
of Science in Sanitary Engineering. This was the beginning of a long 
and active relationship with the University that continued until his 
death.
  After graduation from college, he began work for the State, serving 
as District Engineer of the Northwest Texas Area. In 1942 he answered 
the call to duty and entered the U.S. Army, where he advanced to the 
rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Royce served a total of five years and 
fought in three theaters. He maintained his Army Reserve status and 
retired as a full Colonel.
  Upon completion of military service, Royce formed an engineering 
partnership with Robert Fix. Their company designed and supervised 
construction of waterworks and sewerage projects, streets, airports, 
industrial waste facilities, water reservoirs and other municipal 
projects. The partnership lasted 38 years, until Mr. Fix retired and 
the company was sold. Throughout this time Royce also delved into land 
development, waterworks, farming, and oil and gas production. After the 
end of his engineering partnership, he focused full-time on these 
ventures.
  During his long life, Royce consistently worked to support his alma 
mater and had the honor of serving on the Board of Regents of Texas A&M 
for eighteen years. His building downtown was always recognizable by 
the large maroon and white Texas A&M flag flying over it. Royce also 
served as president of the University's 12th Man Foundation and 
president of the Association of Former Students--the only person ever 
to have served as president of both. He was the originator of the 
President's Endowed Scholarship Program and personally endowed six 
scholarships. This program now offers more than six-hundred fully 
endowed scholarships and has been copied by other universities across 
the nation. He also endowed similar scholarships at Austin College in 
Sherman, Texas and at Tyler Junior College. Royce supported Texas A&M's 
faculty and research efforts as well. He endowed a chair in the School 
of Engineering and two Graduate Fellowships for the School of 
Engineering, one of which was named in honor of Fred Benson, his former 
professor and longtime friend and associate. He was a very loyal and 
supportive person--often referred to as Texas' largest contributor in 
the political arena for local, state and national offices.
  In addition to his professional responsibilities and his service to 
Texas A&M, Royce managed to contribute considerable time and energy to 
numerous organizations in the Tyler community. He served as governing 
board member of Mother Frances Hospital, president of the YMCA, member 
of the Shriners, director of the Tyler Chamber of Commerce., a member 
of the American Legion and Elks Lodge, board member and president for 
seven years of the East Texas Goodwill Industries, and president of 
Smith County Youth Foundation. He also was a director of the East Texas 
Symphony, board member of the Texas Chest Foundation, vice president of 
the East Texas Area Council Boy Scouts, Elder and Deacon of the First 
Presbyterian Church; board member of Texas Presbyterian Foundation, 
president of Tyler Catholic School Board, member and secretary of Texas 
State Board of Health Resources for twelve years and member of the 
volunteer council at Rusk State Hospital. He served on various boards 
of the University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler Junior College and Austin 
College. And the list goes on--for Royce's presence and contributions 
were evident in almost every worthy cause in his community.
  Among his many recognitions include the Distinguished Alumnus Award 
from Texas A&M in 1973, the Commissioners Award from Texas Health & 
Mental Retardation Commission in 1972, Silver Beaver award from Boy 
Scouts in 1977, Rotary Club Award of Appreciation in 1970, Outstanding 
Service Award from National Association of Mental Health in 1974, 
Outstanding Humanitarian Award from Citizens of Rusk in 1975 and 
Engineer of the Year Award in 1981. In 1987 the Board of Regents at 
Texas A&M designated the ``Royce E. Wisenbaker Engineering Research 
Center'' building.
  Royce is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Clorinda ``Petey'' 
Wisenbaker; daughters Susan Spies, Paula Wisenant and Libby Wallace; 
son Royce, three sisters, a sister-in-law and eleven grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Royce Wisenbaker made such a difference in the lives of 
those who knew him. He was truly an outstanding American who leaves a 
remarkable legacy of accomplishments--and memories of a man devoted to 
his family, friends and community. It is an honor today to pay my last 
respects to this exemplary community leader, beloved husband and 
father, and friend--Royce E. Wisenbaker.

                          ____________________