[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 59 (Wednesday, May 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THOMAS SAMUEL STEPHENS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 4, 2011

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the 
life of Thomas Samuel Stephens of Cameron, Missouri. Thomas' 
achievements and service, both to his country and his community, were 
great and we are indebted to him for his sacrifices.
  Mr. Speaker, Thomas Samuel Stephens was born on June 8, 1918, in 
Temple, Texas, to his parents, Lessie and Rufus Stephens. On January 
14, 1944, Thomas had the fortune of marrying the love his life, Euclid 
Elizabeth Stockton, at their church in Temple, Texas. Together they 
raised one daughter, Patti Jane. Thomas passed away on December 2, 
2010, in Kansas City, Missouri.
  Mr. Speaker, Thomas was a true patriot. He served in the 80th 
Infantry Division, 3rd Army, 319 Regiment C Company, 4th Platoon under 
General George Patton from August 26, 1943 to March 29, 1946. He 
received the Purple Heart, EAME Campaign Medal with one Bronze Service 
Star, an American Theatre Campaign Medal and a Victory Medal, as well 
as a Sharpshooter and Rifle pin.
  Mr. Speaker, after being honorably discharged, Thomas received his 
Masters Degree and taught at the University of Texas A&M in the 
Horticulture Department from 1948-1953. Thomas then spent the rest of 
his career working for the United States Department of Agriculture's 
Agriculture Research Service, actively engaging in food and food 
storage research that is used in the food products we enjoy in every 
grocery store today.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to Thomas' patriotism and contributions to 
agriculture in the United States, Thomas also had a passion of enjoying 
God's world by fishing, campaigning and planting trees. Thomas was 
active in his church and enjoyed singing, having been a part of the 
first group of Singing Cadets at Texas A&M. Thomas deeply loved his 
family.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring the life of Thomas 
Samuel Stephens. I am truly grateful for his service to our country and 
his contributions to agriculture.

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