[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 140 (Thursday, September 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING CHARLES W. ``WES'' KEARNEY, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2007

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, Charles W. ``Wes'' Kearney, Sr. of 
Brandon, Florida, passed away on August 11, 2007, in the loving 
presence of his friends and family.
  Wes was a well-known and respected member of the community, whose 
entrepreneurial spirit and generous character not only defined him as a 
person, but played an important role in the lives of others.
  During World War II, Wes served in the United States Navy, joining 
the United States in the fight to defend our Nation and to defend those 
who could not defend themselves. His service to this country is honored 
and greatly admired.
  Following the War, Wes grabbed a hold of the American dream and 
eventually founded many companies under the Kearney name. Through 
generous philanthropy, Wes used the success of his businesses to 
improve his community and help others.
  Wes will be best remembered as a man whose virtue and integrity is 
unmatched, as well as someone who was dearly dedicated to his family 
and friends.
  He leaves behind a beautiful family, and is survived by his lovely 
wife Joanne, his son Bryan and wife Dawn and their children, Skye and 
Sean; son Barry and wife Susan and their children, Tara and Logan; and 
son Bing and his children, son Chad and his wife Shayna, Chase, Clay 
and Carlie.
  As we celebrate his life, we know that he will be dearly missed.

                          ____________________