[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 78 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1079-E1080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO MIKE ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2003

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved 
friend, outstanding community leader and longtime Congressional

[[Page E1080]]

aide, the late E.T. ``Mike'' Allen of Whitesboro, Texas, who passed 
away on March 14 of this year at the age of 83. Mike served as District 
Assistant for my predecessor, the late Congressman Ray Roberts, from 
1969 to 1980, and as my district assistant from 1980 to 1995. He also 
served as a member of my screening board for U.S. Military Academies 
and was my trusted friend and associate.
  Mike was knowledgeable about the legislative process--and was so 
understanding and helpful with constituents who sought assistance with 
their concerns and problems. He knew the Congressional District from 
top to bottom, and in addition to being knowledgeable, was always 
punctual and available. He was always a gentleman and always kind in 
everything he did.
  Mike truly enjoyed people and lived a life of service--both in the 
workplace and in his community and church. In all that he did--and with 
all whom he met--Mike brought an abiding sense of optimism and a smile 
that was his trademark. His favorite saying was ``Always keep a happy 
heart.'' He loved people. He loved his family. He had a deep and 
abiding faith in God. I know of no one who knew Mike who did not 
consider him a friend. He was a man of honor, integrity and a generous 
nature.
  Mike was distinguished in all walks of life. He was a well-liked and 
well-respected community leader in Whitesboro and Sherman. He served as 
mayor of Whitesboro for five terms--the last of which he was elected by 
write-in votes. Among his many civic activities, he served as president 
of the Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce, president of the local Rotary 
Club, president of the Quarterback Club, Master of Masonic Lodge #263 
and Post Commander of the American Legion Post #398.
  Mike was also president of the Grayson County Development Council, a 
member of the original committee that secured the site for Grayson 
County College, chairman of the Parent's Committee for the 125th 
Anniversary Commission, a Council board member of the Boy Scouts of 
America and an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Whitesboro. He 
served on the Wilson N. Jones Foundation Board of Directors and was a 
board member of the Grayson County Campfire Girls of America, the Old 
Settlers Park Association in Sherman and the Grayson County Child 
Welfare.
  Mike also was a frequent visitor of the local domino hall and a good 
player in his own right. Playing dominoes was a cherished tradition 
that facilitated comradery and friendship and served as an unofficial 
repository of historic and humorous events in the life of Whitesboro.
  It comes as no surprise that Mike was named Outstanding Citizen of 
Whitesboro twice--in 1970 and 1998.
  Mike was born in Whitesboro on December 31, 1919, the son of E.T. 
Allen Sr. and Mary Anderson Allen. He graduated from Whitesboro High 
School in 1936 and from North Texas State University in Denton. He 
entered the U.S. Air Force in 1942, where he became a first lieutenant. 
On returning to Whitesboro, he entered into private business with his 
father for 23 years before joining Congressman Roberts' staff.

  In 1946 he married his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Ann Roberts 
Allen, a graduate of Texas Woman's University of Denton. They had a 
special marriage--and they have a devoted family that includes their 
son, Michael Allen of Tyler and daughter-in-law Carol and 
granddaughters Lindsay and Carly; daughter Marcy Allen Brown of 
Greenville and son-in-law Jon and children Leigh and Ben; sister and 
brother-in-law Lucille and R.B. Head, Jr., and two nieces.
  Mr. Speaker, those of us who knew and loved Mike Allen miss him 
dearly--but his presence continues to be felt in Whitesboro and in 
Sherman and in the hearts of his family and many friends. He leaves 
behind such wonderful memories of such an outstanding man and citizen--
and such a remarkable legacy of caring and service that will be felt 
for many years to come.
  As we approach Memorial Day and remember all those who gave their 
lives in service to their Nation, one of those that I will remember is 
my good friend Mike Allen, a man who answered the call to duty in World 
War II and who continued to answer the call to service to his 
community, his family, and his country throughout his exemplary and 
noble life. As we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of this great 
man and great American--E.T. ``Mike'' Allen.

                          ____________________