[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 37 (Monday, March 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF OTIS PAUL DRAYTON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 15, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Otis Paul 
Drayton Jr., a Veteran and an Olympic champion. Mr. Drayton's life was 
built upon a foundation of family, friends and community. His kind 
heart and energetic spirit will be forever remembered by those who 
loved him.
  As a young man, Mr. Drayton moved from New York to Cleveland. He 
graduated from Cathedral Latin High School and went on to Villanova 
University where his talent as a runner was apparent. He won several 
national championships including a 1961 meet with the Soviet Union 
where Mr. Drayton set a world record for the 4 x 100 relay with a time 
of 39.1 seconds. In the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo where he won gold and 
silver medals, Mr. Drayton set the record again with a time of 39.0 
seconds.
  Though highly accomplished, Mr. Drayton was a kind and humble man. 
His quick smile and gentle nature easily endeared him to everyone. For 
many years he served as the Deputy Project Director for the City of 
Cleveland Division of Recreation and later as a part-time employee of 
the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department. Above all else, Mr. Drayton 
was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Jeune.
  Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honoring Otis Paul 
Drayton. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Jeune, his son, 
Walter, and his extended family and friends. Mr. Drayton lived his life 
with great joy, energy, and a generous heart. He will never be 
forgotten.

                          ____________________