[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 18 (Thursday, February 2, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING WILTON A. LANNING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 2, 2017

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Wilton A. Lanning of 
Waco, Texas, who upon his retirement from the Waco Business League, 
received the Waco Business League Lifetime Achievement Award. This 
award was established in 2009 to honor individuals in the Waco 
community that embody the exemplary ideals and values of society, and 
have had a substantial impact on the community.
  As Executive Director of the Waco Business League, Wilton Lanning 
utilized his wealth of experience and his love for the city of Waco to 
support local businesses, grow the economy, and foster opportunity. He 
also serves as a member of the Board of the Brazos Higher Education 
Service Corporation, where he furthers their goal of providing students 
and families with resources they need to make informed decisions about 
financing their higher education and building a better life.
  Some of Wilton's notable past contributions to the Waco business 
community include serving on the boards of Hillcrest Baptist Medical 
Center, the Waco Industrial Foundation, and the Waco Mammoth 
Foundation. Wilton is a past Chairman of the Greater Waco Chamber of 
Commerce, member of the Board of the Vanguard College Preparatory 
School, and past Chairman of the Board of the YMCA.
  Though transcending his influence in the business community, Wilton 
has built his life on a foundation of serving and giving back to 
others--a value he learned as an Eagle Scout and certainly reinforced 
by his father who served as a captain in the U.S. Army. Wilton has been 
a life-long supporter of Baylor University and an active member of the 
Baylor Alumni Association. In fact, his family has received the Baylor 
Alumni Association's First Family of Baylor Award. He has received the 
National Philanthropy ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' and the Waco 
Junior Chamber of Commerce has recognized him with their 
``Distinguished Service Award.''
  Mr. Speaker, Wilton A. Lanning worked tirelessly to better the Waco 
community. From his 40 years at Waco's then-oldest business, Padgitt's, 
to his time with the Business League, Wilton has certainly left an 
enduring impression on Central Texas. He will always be known as a 
great philanthropist and businessman; but I am confident that above all 
else he would want to be known first as a husband to LaNell, father to 
Bill and Robert, and servant of Christ through his leadership at 
Columbus Avenue Baptist Church.
  Today, I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the 
United States Capitol to honor the many contributions of Wilton A. 
Lanning.
  As I close, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country 
during these difficult times, for our military men and women who 
protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who 
protect us here at home.

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