[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING MARVIN TEER, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. WM. LACY CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2010

  Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Marvin Teer, Sr., 
a valued member of the St. Louis community. Mr. Teer passed away on May 
27, 2010, at the age of 93. His efforts greatly enriched the city of 
St. Louis, and his legacy will continue to inspire his residents for 
years to come.
  Mr. Teer grew up against a backdrop of adversity and racial tension. 
He was born in Meridian, Mississippi, and at the tender age of 5, his 
family suffered the tragic loss of Mr. Teer's uncle, who was lynched. 
Mr. Teer's parents moved the family to East St. Louis in search of new 
opportunities for themselves and their children. Mr. Teer took full 
advantage of those opportunities, graduating from Lincoln Senior High 
School and going on to earn his bachelor's degree in education and two 
master's degrees, one in education and another in administration.
  In World War II, he fought courageously in the Army, which was at 
that time segregated. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, where he 
worked to secure equal resources and equal respect for his fellow black 
soldiers.
  Mr. Teer returned to St. Louis in 1946 to teach history and urban 
studies at Lincoln Senior High School and later Vashon High School. 
Being a dedicated teacher, he shared his knowledge and energy with 
students for a full 30 years.
  Mr. Teer had a passion for working to improve St. Louis, and that 
commitment to his city extended far beyond his position as a teacher. 
Mr. Teer participated in a diverse array of city organizations, 
including the Metropolitan Youth Commission, the St. Louis Board of 
Equalization, the Board of Building Appeals, and the St. Louis Area 
Agency on Aging.
  Upon his retirement, Mr. Teer directed his enthusiasm for serving his 
community toward the goal of providing transportation to the seniors of 
St. Louis. He co-founded Available Citywide Transportation, which grew 
from one van to a fleet of 43 under his watch.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Teer, a citizen 
whose commitment to his community was a testament to Missouri and to 
America. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Marvin Teer, 
Sr.

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