[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 105 (Thursday, July 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF WALTER LEE HOVELL, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 15, 2010

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my deepest 
condolences to the family of the late Walter Lee Hovell, Sr., a 
respected philanthropist, businessman and community leader from Mobile, 
Alabama.
  After serving in the United States Marines, Mr. Hovell attended 
Spring Hill College on the G.I. Bill. Upon graduation, he began his 
career at Mobile Gas Company in 1961, where he worked as an accountant 
and rose to the deserving position of president and CEO.
  Mr. Hovell held this position until his retirement in 1995. As a 
citizen of Mobile, Mr. Hovell was always working tirelessly to serve 
the community he loved.
  Walter Hovell was devoted to improving health and education services 
for all Alabamians. He served on the Board of Directors for the United 
Way, The Salvation Army, the United Cerebral Palsy Council of Mobile 
and the Alabama School of Math and Science.
  Mr. Hovell was also a founding member of the Southwest Alabama 
Medical Education Consortium. In 1973 he received a lifetime membership 
to the Home of Grace board for his help incorporating the organization, 
which helps women addicted to drugs and alcohol.
  Madam Speaker, as a result of his selfless service and dedication to 
improving the quality of life for all Mobilians, Walter Hovell was 
named Mobilian of the Year in 1993 by the Civitan Club of Mobile. He 
was also the honored recipient of a ``Certificate of Merit'' in 1991 
from President George H.W. Bush.
  In his private life, Walter was a proud man of God. He was an 
ordained deacon and taught Sunday school classes throughout his life. 
He was also a devoted father to his three children and grandfather to 
his nine grandchildren.
  To his wife, Barbara, and daughters Cynthia, Heidi and son, Walter, 
and their entire family, I express my deepest sympathies. Walter Hovell 
was truly an extraordinary citizen and friend to all. His generous 
spirit and unsurpassed vision will be truly missed.

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