[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 29, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. DONALD ELY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2017

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I honor the 
life of my friend, Mr. Don Ely, and express my deepest condolences to 
his family and friends.
  On March 13, 2017, at 81 years old, Don passed away. The people of 
Sunbury and the greater community of Pennsylvania's 11th District, 
along with myself, will miss him greatly and are forever thankful for 
the service he provided his community.
  Don began his career as a clergyman, serving congregations across the 
Commonwealth for nearly a decade before launching his career in 
education. Don was an accomplished school teacher, having taught 
history, government, and civics for over 32 years. at Shikellamy High 
School in Sunbury. During the majority of his teaching years, he 
continued his work as a pastor until he had completed 25 years of his 
ministry. In addition to his work as a pastor and an educator, Don was 
also active in politics. He became a member of the Northumberland 
County Republican Committee in 1987 and the Republican State Committee 
in 1992, never missing a single meeting. Don was instrumental in 
supporting Republican candidates on the local, state, and federal 
levels. He was also an active, contributing member of the Heritage 
Foundation, the Commonwealth Foundation of Pennsylvania, and 
Pennsylvanians for Effective Government. Whether it was his years of 
leadership for the Republican Party of Pennsylvania, his work as a 
teacher, or his dedication to his family, Don's impact on the Sunbury 
community will not soon be forgotten.
  Don is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lois Kirkpatrick Ely, and 
their three children, Kathleen Ely Lybarger, Dr. Stephen Ely and his 
wife Herta, and Yvonne Ely Renaud, his grandchildren, Olivia, Sophia, 
and Luke Lybarger, James, Ethan, and Patrick Renaud, George and Stephen 
Ely, his niece, Sandra Smith Kastel, as well as Philip Smith and Cindy 
Smith Leist.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the legendary life of Mr. Don 
Ely.

                          ____________________