[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 161 (Wednesday, November 13, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LEGACY OF THOMAS S. WILMETH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2013

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Thomas S. 
Wilmeth whose work ethic, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and 
commitment to education are a tribute to what makes this country great. 
Mr. Wilmeth, who celebrated his 100th birthday this year, lives in 
Daingerfield, Texas and describes himself as ``someone who always 
wanted to do something.'' He most certainly has.
   Thomas Wilmeth was born October 2nd, 1913 in Indianapolis. While his 
father served in World War I in the U.S. Army, his grandmother and 
mother--both math teachers--began teaching him at an early age. Mr. 
Wilmeth attributes this early education to much of his success--it was 
through their tutelage that he was able to skip ahead three grades and 
graduate from Broad Ripple High School at age 15. At age 16, Mr. 
Wilmeth enrolled at Purdue University. While there, he was a member of 
Alpha Chi Rho, Tau Beta Pi, and Eta Kappa Nu. In 1935, at age 21, Mr. 
Wilmeth graduated magna cum laude with a degree in electrical 
engineering. In May of 2013, Purdue University awarded Mr. Wilmeth with 
an honorary doctorate for engineering information literacy.
   In addition to a keen mathematical and analytical mind, from an 
early age Mr. Wilmeth also demonstrated particular business savvy. At 
age 10, he sold hot-roasted peanuts; at age 12, he sold strawberries; 
and at 15, he opened his own radio repair business. During his senior 
year at Purdue University, Mr. Wilmeth worked as business manager of 
the Purdue Yearbook, Debris, earning $1,100 in profit.
   In 1949, Mr. Wilmeth combined his education and entrepreneurial 
ambitions and started Scot Industries, Inc. with his brother, Harvey. 
After exploring a number of different businesses and products, Scot 
Industries established itself as a metal honing business focused on 
increased efficiency, productivity, and affordability. Nearly 45 years 
later, their business has 10 locations nationwide, and Mr. Wilmeth 
continues to assist with the management and operation of Scot 
Industries.
   Mr. Wilmeth has stated that his philosophy is ``to develop the 
ability to train and teach oneself to learn.'' His philosophy is lived 
out daily through his work ethic, and it is extended through charitable 
giving. He continues to donate to his alma mater, Purdue University, as 
well as the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Wilmeth was himself a Boy Scout 
who earned the rank of Eagle at the age of 15.
   The hard work, dedication, and generosity Mr. Wilmeth lives by are 
an inspiration and should encourage all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I ask 
my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Wilmeth a Happy 100th Birthday. 
I thank him for his entrepreneurial spirit that helps make our country 
great, and wish him continued health and happiness.

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