[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 129 (Friday, October 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1753-E1754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MAXIE WALKER WILSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 3, 2002

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to 
a longtime friend and a prominent member of the Overton, Texas, 
community, Maxie Walker Wilson, who passed away in June of this year at 
the age of 85. Walker was active in various projects throughout his 
life and was well-known as a cattle rancher, breeder and importer who 
traveled throughout the world in search of cattle.
  As a result of his extensive travel, Walker was instrumental in 
improving the importation process of foreign cattle breeds to the 
United States and the building of a quarantine station in the Florida 
Keys by the United States Department of Agriculture. He served in 
various capacities for many cattle breed associations, including 
president of the American International Charolais Association, 
president of the American Charbray Association, director of the Texas 
Charolais Breeders Association, director of the Bluebonnet Charolais 
Association and a founding member of the East Texas Farm and Ranch 
Club.
  Walker was a prominent leader of the Overton community. He served on 
the Overton School Board for six years and was president for a two-year 
term. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and the East Texas 
Area Council and in 1960 received the Silver Beaver Award for 
outstanding service to the Boy Scouts. As a member of the Overton 
Chamber of Commerce, he was selected as ``Outstanding Citizen of the 
Year'' in 1964. He was also a member of the Overton Rotary Club and a 
lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, where he served 
on many committees.
  Walker's favorite pastime was the game of golf. He was active in the 
Overton Golf Association for many years and assisted in the development 
of the Overton Community Golf Course. He also was an avid quail hunter, 
a sport he enjoyed with his sons and close friends.
  Walker is survived by his wife of 64 years, Winifred Wilson; sons and 
daughters-in-law Weir and Susan Wilson of Fort Worth, Dr. Steve and 
Charlotte Wilson of Tyler, and Barry and Pat Wilson of Big Spring; four 
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Walker was one of those men who dreamed big and worked 
hard to make those dreams come true. He was always active in his 
business, in his community, and with his family, and he will be sorely 
missed.

[[Page E1754]]

I am grateful that he was my friend, and it is a privilege today to 
join his family and many friends in celebrating the life of this great 
Texan, Walker Wilson.

                          ____________________