[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 8, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H1597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING C. RAY BAKER

  (Mr. WOMACK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember an Arkansas 
legend--former Mayor Ray Baker--who died March 4, 2011, following a 
lengthy illness. For 20 years, Mayor Baker presided over Fort Smith, 
Arkansas, our second largest city. He was remembered this week not only 
for his outstanding civic leadership, but also for his 44 years of 
teaching American history at Fort Smith Southside High School, lessons 
taught to thousands of students on many of the very issues debated in 
this hallowed Chamber. He was an institution in civic and academic 
accomplishment, including the prestigious Milken Family National 
Educator Award.
  Mr. Speaker, it warmed the soul to listen to his colleagues, former 
students, family, and friends eulogize him for his contributions to 
humankind. His enthusiasm was contagious; his devotion to his school, 
church, and community unmistakable.
  Thanks to Mayor Baker, in his own immortal words, ``Life's worth 
living in Fort Smith, Arkansas.''

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