[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1537-E1538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF LOUIS MACON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 19, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Louis Macon, beloved husband and father, grandfather, great-
grandfather, World War II Veteran, and friend and mentor to many.
  Mr. Macon's unwavering devotion to his family paralleled his 
dedication to his community and to his church. With unyielding faith 
and conviction, he served as a Deacon at Mt. Zion Church of Oakwood, 
where his son, Dr. Larry L. Macon, is Pastor. He was born with a gift 
for storytelling, a kind heart and an iron will, and he easily drew 
others to him. His entire life consistently reflected grace, integrity, 
hard work and concern for others. In the early sixties, he blazed a 
trail of courage and enlightenment, piercing the ignorance of racially 
divided Cincinnati, where he became the first African American to own a 
gas station.

[[Page E1538]]

  Family was central to his existence, and Mr. Macon served as a 
touchstone of stability and security for his family. Together, Mr. 
Macon and his late wife Delina were married for 56 years before her 
death in 2002. Together they raised nine children. Despite financial 
hardship and without hesitation, they adopted five more children--who 
quickly became integral and inseparable members of the Macon family. 
With strength, love and kindness, he taught by example--gently 
challenging, and always encouraging and inspiring.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Louis Macon, an outstanding American citizen and exceptional human 
being whose integrity, warmth, faith and concern for others has served 
to forever touch the lives of his family, friends and extended family 
at Mt. Zion Church of Oakwood. I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. 
Macon's children; Geraldine, Richard, Walter, Robert, Phillip, Helen, 
Larry, Raymond, Elmer, Marvin, Denise, Frank and Curtis; his sixty 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his extended family and many 
friends. Although he will be deeply missed, the wonderful life and 
legacy of Louis Macon will live on in the hearts of all whom he loved 
and inspired--especially his family and closest friends--today, and for 
generations to come.

                          ____________________