[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 25, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H3998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING CHARLES R. ``DICK'' WEBB

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon in 
recognition of a respected business leader in the State of Kansas who 
died earlier this week. Charles R. ``Dick'' Webb of Pittsburg, Kansas, 
and founder of Watco Companies passed away on Monday, March 23, at the 
young age of 70. He was a great Kansan and an exemplary American who 
will be greatly missed.
  Dick Webb made his mark on the Kansas business community through 
Watco, a company he founded in 1983 along with his wife, Kaye Lynne. 
Watco was started literally at the kitchen table. A rail service 
provider, the Webbs' startup would evolve into a titan of Midwestern 
business. Watco Companies now supports 2,000 employees in over 26 
States.
  This expansive network of Watco employees and products has benefited 
millions of Americans through efficient commodity shipping and gainful 
employment. Watco railroad tracks continue to move the products that 
move America. Food and fuel find their way across our Nation's 
heartland thanks to the foresight of Dick Webb. His endurance in times 
of uncertainty in his industry allowed Watco to emerge as a leader in 
rail service and technology. Entrepreneurship is highly valued in our 
society, and Dick epitomized that quality.
  With the success Watco experienced, it would have been easy to 
relocate the company's headquarters to a more densely populated area. 
But being a loyal Kansan, Dick remained in Pittsburg to grow his 
business and his community. Whether it was his support for his alma 
mater, Pittsburg State University, or his support for other local 
startup businesses, Dick added to the overall quality of life for every 
Pittsburg resident.
  Dick is survived by his wife, his two children, Susan Lundy and Rick 
Webb, as well as six grandchildren who all were raised to remain in 
Pittsburg. But knowing of Dick's devotion to his employees, it may well 
be said that he is survived by his Watco family as well. The employees 
and their families that aided the building of Watco continue to benefit 
from Dick's work and leadership.
  The legacy he left on our State and this Nation will continue to 
benefit us all.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and Members of the U.S. House of 
Representatives join me in honoring Dick Webb and the lasting legacy he 
achieved with his life.

                          ____________________