[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 24, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S4595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO RALPH SHOWER

 Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I wish to honor Ralph Shower of St. 
Louis, MO, on his upcoming 100th birthday on July 6, 2015. As a 
dedicated family man, heroic World War II veteran, and successful 
business professional, he has made his family, community, and the 
entire State of Missouri proud to call him one of our own.
  Born and raised in St. Louis, Mr. Shower attended Soldan High School, 
where he participated in varsity track and field. His dad ran a hotel 
and restaurant supply business, and in his younger years, he worked 
with his father at the family business.
  As mentioned before, Mr. Shower honorably served in the U.S. Army's 
517 Signal Company, 17th Airborne Division, during World War II. While 
serving, he suffered from serious injuries in a paratrooper glider 
accident from which he fully recovered, and he has continued to live a 
full and healthy life. To this day, he has remained actively involved 
in his community through the local veterans service organizations.
  After leaving the Army, Mr. Shower began a career in public relations 
management, serving various charity organizations, including the 
Leukemia Guild of Missouri and the City of Hope Hospital in Durate, CA.
  Even with his military and professional successes, Shower has always 
prioritized his family above all else. He and Ethel, his late wife of 
70 years, had three children. Michael Shower, his son, held an esteemed 
position as the executive secretary and counselor to the executive 
director of UNICEF up until his passing in 1994. Mr. Shower has two 
beloved daughters, Suzanne Shower and Michelle Proctor, along with two 
granddaughters and five great-granddaughters.
  Forty-seven of Mr. Shower's relatives will be traveling to the St. 
Louis area to celebrate his long and accomplished life. It sounds like 
it will be a truly special celebration.
  Ralph Shower has touched the lives of so many people over the past 
century, and his service to his country and community deserves our 
recognition and appreciation. I congratulate Ralph Shower for his 
service to his family, community, and this great country. Happy 
Birthday!

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