[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S11774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO RALPH BOLING

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. 
Ralph Boling, a fine Kentuckian who passed away at the age of 76 on 
September 27, 2004.
  Mr. Boling, a native of Hancock County, KY, dedicated his life to 
serving others. His service began with a stint in the U.S. Army. After 
protecting his country, he returned to his beloved Hancock County and 
served as an auctioneer, an oil-well driller, the Hancock County road 
foreman, and the superintendent of the Hawesville Water Works.
  In 1970, Mr. Boling was elected sheriff of Hancock County. He served 
until 1973, was reelected to a second term in 1978, and served until 
1981. By taking this post, Mr. Boling was continuing a family 
tradition: Both his father, Claude, and his mother, Leva, had 
previously served as Hancock County sheriff. President Ronald Reagan 
then appointed Mr. Boling to serve as the United States Marshal for the 
western Kentucky district, a post he held for 12 years.
  Mr. Boling resigned as a U.S. Marshal to run for judge-executive of 
Hancock County. On November 2, 1993, he defeated the two-term incumbent 
with over 58 percent of the vote; he carried each of the county's eight 
precincts as well as absentee ballots. During his 5-year tenure, Mr. 
Boling worked tirelessly with people across party lines to put the 
community first. He successfully closed the county's landfill and 
pushed for the creation of the county's career center. Thanks to Mr. 
Boling, the Hancock County Career Center is a resource for job 
opportunities, worker training and continuing education today.
  Mr. Boling's proud family tradition of public service continues with 
his granddaughter, LeAnn Crosby, who works as a field representative in 
my Bowling Green, KY, office.
  His dedication to the Hancock County community went beyond a career 
choice. He was a member of Hancock Lodge No. 115 and served various 
positions in the organization. He was a member of the Fraternal Order 
of Police and was active within the Blackford Baptist Church. And one 
of his greatest passions was rooting for my alma mater, the University 
of Louisville basketball team.
  Today I ask my colleagues to joining me in paying tribute to the life 
of Mr. Ralph Boling. He will be missed by his family, his friends and 
constituents in Hancock County, and the entire Commonwealth of 
Kentucky.

                          ____________________