[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    MOURNING THE LOSS OF A GREAT MAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. STEVE C. LaTOURETTE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 30, 2002

  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, on April 11, one of our area's most 
beloved citizens passed away--former Congressman J. William Stanton, 
who served in the House of Representatives from 1965 to 1982. I am 
honored to have known Bill Stanton, whom I considered a dear friend and 
mentor. In fact, I know that I would not be a Congressman today had it 
not been for his unparalleled guidance and support.
  Bill Stanton was born in Painesville in 1924, and was a longtime 
resident of my hometown, Madison. Bill was a graduate of Culver 
Military Academy, and was the institution's Man of the Year in 1994. He 
also was a graduate of Georgetown's School of Foreign Service. In 
addition, he was a proud veteran and was the Army's youngest commanding 
officer in the Pacific Theater during World War II--attaining the rank 
of captain at the age of 21. He returned from war with the Bronze Star 
with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Star, and other decorations.
  When Bill came home, he ran a Lincoln-Mercury dealership, making him 
the youngest franchised dealer in Ford history in 1948 at the age of 
24. He also had the distinction of giving legendary football coach Don 
Shula his very first job--selling cars. Don Shula and Bill Stanton 
remained lifelong friends.
  Bill got his political start in Lake County, and served as a Lake 
County Commissioner for 8 years starting in 1956. He often called those 
years the ``happiest time of his political career.'' He then proudly 
represented Madison and the former 11th Congressional District in 
Congress for 18 years, from 1964 to 1982. He served his district with 
great honor and distinction, and was an amazingly popular Congressman. 
In one election, he lost only five precincts in his entire district.
  Of course, it wasn't always such smooth sailing. When Bill was 
running for re-election after serving one term in Congress, he was 
campaigning down in Ravenna in Portage County, which then was part of 
the 11th district. Bill met an older woman at an event and introduced 
himself, saying: ``My name's Bill Stanton and I hope you'll vote for me 
in Congress.''
  The woman looked at him and replied, ``I certainly will, young man. 
We've gotta get rid of that guy we've got there now.''
  When Bill retired from Congress, he devoted his time to causes that 
were important to him. He became an advisor to the World Bank, a post 
he held until 1993, and he also served on the board of Bread for the 
World, an organization devoted to easing world hunger. In addition, he 
was on the Board of Regents of Catholic University.
  Bill's passing was unexpected and certainly too soon. Just a few 
weeks before his death, he returned home to attend an event where I was 
roasted to benefit the United Way. I was thrilled to see Bill, and was 
so honored that he'd traveled so far to be with me on that special 
night.
  I also am pleased that a few years ago we were able to dedicate the 
Old Camp Isaac Jogues in Madison and rename it in Bill's honor. The 
Madison park was always loved by Bill Stanton, and his family had ties 
to it. Bill's father, Frank built the chapel that still stands at the 
park.
  Bill Stanton was a great man and a great friend, and I miss him 
greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Peggy Smeeton 
Stanton, his daughter, Kelly Fordon of Grosse Pointe, MI, and his three 
grandchildren--Jack, Charles, and Megan.

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