[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 45 (Friday, April 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E503-E504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO CHARLES MARSHALL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 1, 2004

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a friend and 
constituent, a beloved citizen of Aransas Pass, Texas, an established 
entrepreneur, and a compassionate neighbor--Mr. Charles Marshall. He 
has served his town, its needy and especially, its children, for nearly 
half of a century.
  I can think of no one more deserving of recognition for empowering a 
community with the best educational opportunities that can be bestowed 
upon its youngest citizens. It is the personal values he has held 
throughout his years of public service which enhance the contributions 
and unshakeable faith he has for the people of Aransas Pass.
  Charlie Marshall was born July 7, 1923 in Skidmore, Texas. He 
attended public school in Raymondville and later graduated from 
Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. He served his country 
in the Navy during World War II, serving for 3 years on a back-up troop 
transport in an operating room. After returning from the war, he threw 
himself into civilian life and enrolled in Landig Mortuary College in 
Houston, Texas--eventually rising to valedictorian and class president.
  He moved to Aransas Pass in 1949 and went to work for Cage Funeral 
Home. In 1953, it became Cage-Marshall Funeral Homes. Thirty-five years 
later, in 1998, the Charlie Marshall Funeral Home and Crematory of 
Aransas Pass was officially dedicated. Charlie's professional 
commitment was recognized

[[Page E504]]

by the State of Texas. He was appointed to the Texas State Board of 
Morticians by Governors Price Daniels, John Connally, Preston Smith and 
Dolph Briscoe.
  Charlie knew Aransas Pass was a great place to live and that the area 
would flourish if it had a solid educational hub. So in May 1959, he 
ran and was elected to the school board. This position enabled him to 
use his ability to inspire, attract and engage students and parents to 
work together to support academic excellence, and enhance pride in 
their community. Mr. Marshall continues today to visit the school 
campuses and talk to the students. He attends the Panther Sports events 
and supports many school activities that provide young people a chance 
to represent their school and community.
  In addition to his exemplary service to his profession and the local 
educational community, Charlie has also served in civic, charitable and 
social organizations which propel the community and its citizens to 
prosperity.
  These organizations include the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he 
received the Good Citizenship Award, and the Aransas Pass Chamber of 
Commerce, where he has served for many years as an officer. He is 
credited as the founder and early organizer of the Shrimporee Festival, 
which continues to benefit San Patricio County. He was a distinguished 
director of the Overbid Property Trust, whose proceeds built the 
Aransas Pass Public Library. He was awarded the Aransas Pass Citizen of 
the Year Award 1972, and the coveted Murl Smith Award in 1981. Mr. 
Marshall was one of the founders of the Aransas Pass Associated 
Charities, which later grew into the Christian Service Center, serving 
thousands of needy families and children.

  The citizens of Aransas Pass honored Mr. Marshall by naming an 
elementary school in recognition of his many community and educational 
contributions. It is my pleasure to pay homage to Charlie Marshall on 
the House Floor for his tireless efforts and 45 years of stellar 
leadership in education. I must also commend Charlie's late wife Gayle, 
his daughter, Marty, and son, Bill, who not only supported his service 
to Aransas Pass, but have shared his compassion and commitment.
  I ask my Congressional Colleagues to join me in commending Mr. 
Charles Marshall for his exceptional career and contributions to the 
great State of Texas and our Nation.

                          ____________________