[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF DONALD RAY TOW

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 2008

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Donald Ray Tow of Selma, California, who recently passed away at the 
age of 74. He leaves behind the love of his life of 44 years, Marie, 
along with 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Tow was born on June 2, 1934, in Checotah, Oklahoma, but was 
raised in the Central Valley. As a teenager Don moved from Bakersfield 
to Selma, California, and graduated from Selma High School in 1952. 
Upon graduation from Selma High School he attended Reedley College 
prior to joining the U.S. Air Force in 1953. While in the Air Force Don 
proudly served his country in Korea.
  After returning from Korea he continued his education at Fresno State 
College, where he received his master's degree in education. His first 
job was at Eric White Elementary in Selma, California, as a sixth grade 
teacher. After teaching for 13 years he went on to become a principal 
at Washington School in Kingsburg, California. In 1990, he moved on to 
Roosevelt Junior High, also as a principal.
  He was devoted to his community, serving on the Selma Unified School 
Board, the Selma City Council, and most recently as mayor of the city 
of Selma. Mr. Tow not only had a passion for education but also for 
sports and especially for baseball. His huge interest in sports drew 
him to coaching in the Selma Little League. One of his favorite 
pastimes was family outings to Morro Bay, and Dinkey Creek, and 
watching his grandchildren at their sporting events.
  It goes without saying that Mr. Donald Ray ``Don'' Tow was an 
honorable man with a commitment to family, friends and the community 
that will forever live in the lives of the people he so graciously 
touched. His passion for family, education, and his community will be 
remembered by all who knew him. I am honored and humbled to join his 
family in celebrating the life of this amazing man who will never be 
forgotten.

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