[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 20 (Thursday, February 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF INDIANA REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD MANGUS 
                         OF LAKEVILLE, INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2008

  Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of 
distinguished former State Representative Richard Mangus. Mangus, age 
77, suffered a heart attack Monday, February 4, 2008 and sadly passed 
away.
  Mr. Mangus' career in public service began in 1972 upon his election 
to the Indiana General Assembly. After his initial term was complete, 
Mr. Mangus won 15 additional elections, serving a total of 32 years. A 
dairy farmer for 60 years, Mangus excelled in representing the 
agricultural community--he knew the farmers and the types of issues 
they faced, and he shared a great concern for the environment. During 
his time in office, Mangus served as Chairman of the House Election 
Committee, the House Environmental Committee, and the House Natural 
Resources Committee. Inside the Assembly, Mangus was known for his 
fiery spirit, his use of theatrics and drama to prove a point, and his 
no-nonsense wisdom. It has been said that Mangus did not speak often, 
but when he did, it deserved complete attention, for he was a true 
political genius.
  Dick Mangus' illustrious career of service has been recognized by 
numerous honors and awards; in fact, he was a three-time winner of the 
Sagamore of the Wabash honor. He has been honored as both Police 
Legislator of the Year and Professional Firefighter Legislator of the 
Year; he received the District Soil and Water Conservation Special 
Recognition Award for Support of District Programming, as well as the 
4-H Leadership 20 year Service Award, Izaak Walton League Environmental 
Achievement Award, and the award for the Junior Chamber of Commerce 
Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Mangus was also appointed as a member 
of the Department of Natural Resources Commission.
  Outside of his career in the state legislature, Dick Mangus served 
his country in the United States Army as well as owned and operated a 
successful family dairy farm. In 1951, he married his sweetheart, Mary, 
and they were together for 56 years. During this time, they raised five 
children: Marcia, Russell, Richard, Ronald, and Ryan. Mangus was a 
grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of ten.
  Despite his claim to be ``just a dairy farmer from Lakeville,'' 
Mangus will be remembered as much more. His legacy as a public servant 
will be defined by his passionate advocacy, creative methods, and 
humble approach. He will be dearly missed by his family, his 
constituents, and all Hoosiers. It is with great pride and honor that I 
enter former State Representative Richard Mangus' name into the United 
States Congressional Record.

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