[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E65]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING BILL JELLISON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 21, 2010

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Bill 
Jellison--a lifelong Kansan, a revered educator, and my friend. Bill 
passed away in April of last year at the age of 82, but he will always 
be remembered for his nearly three decades of service to Fort Hays 
State University and for his optimism despite adversity.
  A native of Lincoln, Kansas, Bill attended Fort Hays State University 
and received degrees in 1951 and 1952. Following graduation, he taught 
high school in southwest Kansas along with his wife, Margaret. In 1960, 
Bill returned to Fort Hays for what was to become a 28-year career. 
Bill would serve as dean of men, dean of students, and vice president 
of student affairs. He retired in 1988.
  Bill had two passions in life: helping others and the outdoors. 
During his tenure at Fort Hays, Bill enjoyed assisting students, 
particularly those from small towns and rural areas. He dedicated his 
career to ensuring that students achieved success, assisting in any way 
possible.
  In his spare time, Bill loved to hunt and fish with his buddies and 
inspired others to share in this interest. One of the boys he inspired 
to hunt was Randy Wood, who is now a columnist for the hunting magazine 
Horizontal Bowhunter. Randy's father was Bill's friend and hunting 
buddy, as was Randy once he became old enough to hunt. After Bill's 
passing, Randy wrote a heartfelt tribute, describing Bill as a ``big 
man who loved to talk and always had a smile on his face. The sound of 
his laughter would fill the room.''
  In 1994, Bill tragically suffered a severe stroke that left him 
disabled. Though wheelchair bound and no longer able to walk the fields 
for pheasants, Bill remained optimistic. He kept a bright outlook on 
life and continued to care about others. After a 15-year struggle, Bill 
passed away last spring. For those of us blessed to have known him, let 
us be thankful that God places men like Bill Jellison in our lives. May 
we always remember and honor him.

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