[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 59 (Thursday, April 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF MICHAEL AND FRANCES McDOUGAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 12, 2018

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Michael 
and Frances McDougal of Conroe, TX, and congratulate them on their 50th 
wedding anniversary.
  In 1964, Michael and Frances first met on the campus of Southwestern 
University, where Michael was pursuing a career in law and Frances was 
working to become an elementary school teacher. Despite their many 
personality differences, the two spent four years growing closer 
together, and on April 6, 1968, the two were finally married.
  Soon after, Michael began to pursue his law degree at Southern 
Methodist University, and in order to support her husband's dream of 
becoming an attorney, Frances began teaching in Dallas, TX. Together, 
the two thrived during this difficult time, which culminated with the 
birth of their first child, Heather, and the grand opening of Michael's 
first law office in 1971.
  Even with the stress of a new business and an infant child, the two 
stuck together. Michael worked long hours to ensure the success of 
their new business, and Frances split her time between teaching and 
helping in the law office--all while raising a baby girl.
  In 1972, the young family relocated to North Houston in order for 
Michael to begin serving under the District Attorney in Conroe, TX--a 
community they quickly adopted as their home. Michael and Frances 
welcomed the birth of their first son, Christopher, in 1976, and the 
birth of their second son, Kevin ``Ryan'', in 1979. The family took 
full advantage of living in their community--taking up horseback riding 
and becoming active in their church's congregation.
  Ultimately, Michael rose to the level of Montgomery County District 
Attorney before opening his own firm with his son Ryan--McDougal and 
McDougal Law Firm. Frances continued teaching and, after her own fight 
with cancer, she found herself heavily involved with FAITH Fighting 
Cancer and volunteering with Memorial Hermann Hospital.
  Despite their successful careers and tireless community service, 
Michael and Frances have always made their family the center of their 
life: their three children, Heather, Christopher, and Ryan; their son 
and daughter-in-law, Jason and Audrey; and their seven grandchildren, 
Lindsey, Travis, Ashley, Callum, Cadence, Abigail, and Max.
  Michael and Frances McDougal's relationship serves as a perfect 
illustration of what a strong marriage and even stronger family should 
be. I am proud to join Michael and Frances' family, their friends, and 
the entire Eighth District of Texas in recognizing their 50th wedding 
anniversary and congratulating them on this momentous milestone in 
their relationship.

                          ____________________