[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 42 (Monday, March 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF RICHARD AND VIRGINIA DOAK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 12, 2007

  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the 
House of the death of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Doak of Stover, MO.
  Richard L. Doak was born on December 24, 1922, and was the second of 
seven children to the late Grace and Edgar Doak. Upon completion of 
high school, Richard became a student at the University of Missouri-
Columbia. His college education was interrupted to volunteer for 
service in the United States Army in World War II. On August 19, 1944, 
he married Virginia Ray McClesky and soon after completed his 
undergraduate education, receiving a B.S. in Agriculture. He again 
served his country as an infantry platoon leader, 7th Division, 31st 
(Polar Bear) Regiment, Charlie Company, during the Korean War. In honor 
of his commitment to the U.S. Army, he was awarded both the Silver Star 
for gallantry in combat and the Bronze Star for meritorious service. 
After his service, the Doaks returned to Missouri where they would 
raise their four children on the family farm. Mr. Doak later earned a 
master's degree in Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, 
and served as a teacher at Payne School and as an elementary school 
principal at Hallsville, Jefferson City, and Versailles, MO. In 1985, 
Richard retired from teaching and returned to work on his farm raising 
and showing Southdown sheep.
  Virginia Ray (McClesky) Doak was born on December 8, 1922, in King, 
Texas, to Estelle and Henry McClesky. Virginia graduated from high 
school in Gatesville and attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. 
After receiving her degree, Virginia taught school at Purmela and 
Plainview in Texas and Payne School in Missouri. On August 19, 1944, 
she married Richard Doak, a Missourian she had met while he was 
stationed at Fort Hood. While raising a family in Missouri, Virginia 
remained close to her family in Texas and looked forward to visiting 
them at Christmas and during the summer.
  Madam Speaker, Richard and Virginia Doak were great friends of mine 
and were valuable members of the Stover community. I know the Members 
of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to their 
family.

                          ____________________