[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 19, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8485-S8486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO FOX McKEITHEN

  Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, today I commemorate the life of 
Louisiana's late secretary of state Fox McKeithen. Fox passed away 
Saturday at only 58 years of age.
  Born Walter Fox McKeithen in 1946, Fox was destined for a life in 
public office. His father, John McKeithen, served as the Governor of 
Louisiana from 1964 to 1972. And Fox demonstrated his natural 
leadership ability at a young age, serving as senior class president 
and becoming a three-sport

[[Page S8486]]

Letterman at Caldwell Parish High School.
  He received a bachelor's degree in history/social studies from 
Louisiana Tech University and then became a civics teacher and coach at 
Caldwell Parish High School. In addition to teaching and his career in 
state office, Fox established three successful businesses in Caldwell 
Parish.
  In 1983, Fox began his long career as a public servant when he was 
elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives. He was elected 
secretary of state in 1987, and he served in this capacity for five 
consecutive terms, being elected to his fifth term in November 2003.
  As secretary of state for nearly two decades, Fox showed great 
dedication and devotion to the State of Louisiana. One of his biggest 
accomplishments was successfully merging the department of voter 
registration and the department which stored the voting machines, 
consolidating them into one. This had not been done in Louisiana since 
1960.
  Fox simplified the functions of the secretary of state's office. He 
adapted to the changing technologies that took place over his five 
terms and modernized the office through computerized voting terminals 
and archiving.
  He was also responsible for the renovation of the State capitol 
building in Baton Rouge. Fox took the lead in helping bring a building 
that once was in shambles and abandoned back to its former stateliness 
and glory. Because of Fox's efforts, the capitol building gives all who 
visit and work there a taste of Louisiana's political history.
  Fox had a very colorful personality, a trait often described by so 
many. His vivaciousness and energy for life drew people to him. Once, 
he even broke out into song at a press conference.
  Those who served with Fox knew his commitment to the office of 
secretary of state. This was especially apparent in a 2004 election, 
when he delivered voting machines to New Orleans precincts himself, 
ensuring that everyone was able to vote and averting a potential 
crisis.
  Fox was a friend to all, and the State of Louisiana will miss him 
dearly. He leaves behind a loving wife, Yvonne, and their four 
children, Marjorie Ann, Marianne May, Rebecca Ann, and John Jesse.
  Fox and his family are in our prayers and thoughts.

                          ____________________