[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MR. ROBERT M. STEPTOE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2007

  Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the passing of a 
great patriot, public citizen, and revered member of his community, Mr. 
Robert M. Steptoe.
  Born in Clarksburg, West Virginia on May 15, 1920, Mr. Steptoe grew 
up in north central West Virginia and thereafter attended Episcopal 
High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He continued his studies at 
Haverford College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Shepherd College in 
Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
  At the outbreak of World War II, Mr. Steptoe served in the United 
States Navy as the commanding officer of two ships in the sub-chaser 
class. Mr. Steptoe was involved in the invasions of Sicily, Anzio, 
southern France, and a brief stint in the Southern Pacific. He retired 
from the United States Navy with the rank of lieutenant commander.
  Following his service during World War II, Mr. Steptoe graduated from 
the University of Virginia School of Law in February 1949 and began a 
career in law that spanned over 50 years of distinguished legal 
practice in Martinsburg, West Virginia. A member of the West Virginia 
State Bar, the West Virginia Bar Association, the Berkeley County Bar 
Association, and the United States Judicial Conference for the Fourth 
Circuit; Mr. Steptoe was awarded the Award of Merit by the West 
Virginia Bar Association in 2003 in recognition of his years of 
service.
  Mr. Steptoe was also an active public servant who was elected to the 
West Virginia House of Delegates for four terms and the West Virginia 
Senate for two terms. He also served as a judge of the West Virginia 
Court of Claims.
  In addition to his professional activities, Mr. Steptoe was an active 
member of the Rotary, Trinity Episcopal Church, and a member of the 
Elks Club. Above all, Mr. Steptoe was a proud and dedicated husband, 
father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
  Mr. Steptoe's life and accomplishments are truly representative of 
the courage, character and altruism that is often associated with 
members of our ``Greatest Generation.'' West Virginia was well served 
by this great American and he will be sorely missed by those who knew 
him.

                          ____________________