[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 122 (Friday, October 1, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING SENATOR JOHN T. RUSSELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2004

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, a distinguished career in Missouri State 
Senate will soon end. Missouri State Senator John T. Russell will 
retire at the end of the year.
  Senator Russell was born on September 22, 1931 in Lebanon, Missouri 
and grew up on a farm near Gasconade River. After graduating from 
Lebanon High School, he attended Drury College in Springfield, 
Missouri.
  Senator Russell has had an impressive legislative career. He first 
was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 1962 and served 
until 1974. During his time in the State House, he held the position of 
Minority Floor Leader in 1971 and 1972. Then, in November 1976, Senator 
Russell was elected to the Missouri Senate, representing the counties 
in south central and southwest Missouri. While in the State Senate he 
served as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, member of 
the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee and member of the 
Transportation Committee.
  In addition to his legislative work, Senator Russell has a record of 
service and leadership in the community. He received an Honorary Doctor 
of Laws Degree from Southwest Baptist University in 1979. The Missouri 
Chamber of Commerce presented Senator Russell with the Spirit of 
Enterprise Award. He received the Guardian of Small Business Award from 
the National Federation of Independent Business. In 1997, he was given 
the Community Service Award from the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce. 
Also, he is a member of the First Baptist Church in Lebanon, Missouri, 
and is a Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in the Korean 
War.
  Mr. Speaker, I know the Members of this House will join me in 
thanking Senator Russell for his life of public service and in wishing 
him and his family all the best in the years to come.

                          ____________________