[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E19]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING JUDGE HARRY LOFTIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2004

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding public servant, a wonderful family man, and good friend who 
devoted so much time and energy to the community of Tyler, Texas--Judge 
Harry Loftis, who died on December 9, 2003.
  Judge Loftis spent thirteen years as a district attorney and county 
judge. Raised in Tyler, Texas, he earned degrees at Tyler Junior 
College and the University of Texas at Austin. He joined the Army Air 
Corps during World War II, and flew glider missions in France, England, 
and Italy. His bravery earned him several medals and citations. The 
Library of Congress is privileged to have his wartime accounts on file 
as part of the World War II veterans project.
  Judge Loftis was also a longtime supporter of area institutions of 
higher education. He was a devoted trustee of Tyler Junior College, and 
was recognized throughout his term in office with several accolades 
including the T.B. Butler Award, the Outstanding Ex-Student Award, and 
the Earl Story Award. He was also a leading advocate for the creation 
of Texas Eastern University (now the University of Texas at Tyler).
  While Judge Loftis's work in higher education was impressive, he was 
also a tireless community booster. He was a president or board member 
of the Tyler Jaycees, Texas Junior Bar Association, Smith County Red 
Cross, Tyler YMCA, Kiwanis Club, Strutters, Mother Francis Advisory 
Board, Tuberculosis Association, Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas 
Rose Festival Association. He was also a lieutenant governor of Kiwanis 
International and served on the Board of Stewards at Marvin United 
Methodist Church.
  Judge Loftis is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Ann 
Loftis; sons and daughters-in-law, Harry Lee and Charisa Loftis, 
Michael George and Jenny Loftis; daughter and son-in-law Mollie Ann and 
Robert Halpin; and ten grandchildren.
  Judge Loftis will be long remembered as a devoted public servant, and 
the community of Tyler will miss his unwavering commitment to serve 
others. On behalf of his many friends and fans, I want to take this 
opportunity in the House of Representatives to pay our last respects to 
this dedicated public servant and outstanding American--Judge Harry 
Loftis.

                          ____________________