[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E38]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF REV. LUTHER VINCENT LAITE III

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVE WELDON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2004

  Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life 
and service of Rev. Luther Vincent Laite III. Rev. Laite, a pastor and 
disabled American veteran of the United States Navy. Rev. Laite died on 
December 7, 2003, of complications from asbestosis, a disease 
contracted while serving his country in the U.S. Navy.
  Rev. Laite honorably served his country for six years aboard the USS 
Goldsborough, and was honorably discharged in 1984.
  Rev. Laite served as a pastor for 19 years in Brevard County, 
Florida. At the time of his death, Rev. Laite was the Senior Pastor of 
Christian Life Family Church of Brevard.
  As a result of Luther's belief that churches must be involved in the 
life of the community, many women and children in need were helped. 
There was always room at the Laite family table or in the Laite house 
for those who had no other place to go.
  Luther served on the board of the Protestant Ministries of Florida 
Institute of Technology and was National Director of Life Coalition 
International, an international pro-life ministry.
  Luther is survived by his wife, Patti; seven children, Lydia Baker, 
Luther V. Laite IV, Audra Laite, Amanda Laite, Jesse Laite, Josiah 
Laite and Jonathan Laite; grandchildren, Zechariah Baker and Ethan 
Baker; his loving parents Luther and Peggy Laite and sister Vicky 
Stites, her children and grandchildren.
  Several hundred people from all over the Nation attended the Luther 
Vincent Laite III memorial service that was held at Truth Revealed 
Ministries, Palm Bay, Florida, on December 13, 2003. Burial services 
were held at the Military Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida on December 15, 
2003.
  As quoted in Matthew 25:21, ``Well done, good and faithful servant! 
You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of 
many things. Come and share your Master's happiness.''
  Indeed, Rev. Laite will be remembered by those who loved him as a 
faithful family man, devoted pastor and loyal friend. Our thoughts and 
prayers are with his family and friends. We will all miss him.

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