[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 TRIBUTE TO CLARENCE MEDDERS (1927-2003), FORMER MAYOR OF BAKERSFIELD, 
                                   CA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2003

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a public servant, a devoted 
family man, and a close friend. Clarence Medders was born in 
Mississippi on December 7, 1927. Clarence served in the Army Signal 
Corps and graduated from teaching school, beginning a lifelong pursuit 
to promote the education of young people.
  After moving to Bakersfield, California with his wife, Billie Jo, and 
their two children, Clarence worked for the Bakersfield City School 
District in various capacities for three decades. As a teacher, 
Clarence made sure his students received a quality education and 
understood the fundamentals. As a principal, Clarence was passionate 
about ensuring that his students were well-educated, and relentlessly 
worked with teachers, parents, and students to create an environment 
where his students could excel, both in the classroom and as young 
people. While Clarence received great recognition for his work, he did 
not measure his body of work by the accolades and awards he received; 
he measured it by the success of the students he taught, embraced, and 
advocated for.
  Clarence devoted himself to the lives of Bakersfield's youth, but he 
also found time to serve the community he so loved. He served as 
Bakersfield City Councilman, held a leadership role in the League of 
California Cities, and was elected Mayor of Bakersfield in 1989. As 
Chairman of the Kern County Republican Central Committee, Clarence also 
worked to raise awareness of local and national issues with the 
community and involved his peers and neighbors in politics. In these 
different capacities, Clarence served with integrity, a plain-spoken 
straight-shooter that counseled and led with the convictions and 
strength of his heart. The enthusiasm to serve others is a quality 
shared by Clarence's family. His wife Billie Jo has been on my staff 
for the length of my career in the House, and I have always been 
grateful to Clarence for sharing her with me and with the thousands she 
has helped.
  Bakersfield will miss this wonderful man who shared a rich legacy of 
accomplishment with his neighbors and students. More personally, I will 
miss Clarence. Clarence Medders was first and foremost a family man. He 
leaves behind his wife, his two loving daughters, Emily and Pam, and a 
large family that grieves an extraordinary loss.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, I join many of my neighbors in mourning the loss 
of a close friend, Clarence Medders. A patriotic American, he embodied 
our country's best ideals: love for family and a dedication to public 
service.

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