[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING TOM H. SPARKS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2008

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and pay tribute to Tom 
H. Sparks of St. Joseph, Michigan, who is celebrating his 100th 
birthday.
  Mr. Sparks was born in a log cabin with a dirt floor and sod roof in 
Oklahoma in 1908. He was taken out of school at the age of 14 when he 
went to work to support his family. He was a member of the ``Greatest 
Generation'' and served his country with distinction and honor in World 
War II in the European Theatre.
  Mr. Sparks has been a resident of St. Joseph, Michigan for more than 
80 years. To say that Tom Sparks is a man who has been active in his 
community would be a gross understatement. Mr. Sparks has rarely missed 
a meeting of the St. Joseph City Commission over the last eight 
decades. He was first elected to serve on the St. Joseph City 
Commission in 1948 and served as Mayor of his adopted hometown from 
1955 to 1963. Even into his 90s--his name appeared on the ballot 
seeking a seat on the City Commission.
  Mr. Sparks retired from the City of Benton Harbor as assistant to the 
superintendent and a building inspector in 1975 at the age of 67. As 
part of his birthday celebration, it is fitting he is being recognized 
by City Commissioners in St. Joseph.

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