[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1209-E1210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE MEMORY OF CHARLES WILLIAM HARBEN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2009

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Saraland, Alabama, and all of 
southwest Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to 
honor Charles William Harben and pay tribute to his memory.

[[Page E1210]]

  Known to his many friends as Charlie, he was a native of Leeds and 
was raised in Chickasaw, Alabama. He served the city of Saraland in 
public office for almost three decades, 12 years as mayor and 17 as 
city councilman. In 2008, he ran unopposed in the municipal election.
  Mayor Harben was known as a fiscal conservative. Economic development 
was one of his top priorities, and he was instrumental in attracting 
business to Saraland, including the city's largest, Wal-Mart.
  Mayor Harben also worked for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad as a 
secretary, accountant, and an internal auditor, before retiring after 
48 years of service.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
beloved friend to many throughout southwest Alabama. Charles William 
Harben will be dearly missed by his family--his wife of 57 years, 
Pauline; their son, Charles William Jr.; their grandchildren, 
Christian, Candice, and Jon; his great-granddaughter, Hayzlynn; and his 
brother, Johnny--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult 
time.

                          ____________________