[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 199 (Tuesday, December 18, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7781-S7782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING BURL BOWEN

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, earlier this year the Knott County, KY, 
community lost a beloved member with the passing of Burl Bowen at the 
age of 98.
  Born in Wheelwright, Burl grew up in southeastern Kentucky and later 
joined the Civilian Conservation Corps to plant trees in the region. 
Like so many of his generation, Burl earned his place in the ``greatest 
generation'' by serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He 
carried his patriotism and love for his country throughout the rest of 
his career and his life, inspiring those around him. Burl spent a 
number of years in Detroit, working in a steel mill and operating a 
barber shop. He returned to Kentucky upon his retirement with his wife 
Anita.
  Later in his life, Burl made a particularly large impact on the young 
men of the Knott County Central High School's basketball team. Known as 
the team's No. 1 fan, Burl could always be found in the front row of 
the stands cheering on his team. He was 95 when the team won the 14th 
region championship, and Burl proudly climbed the ladder to help cut 
down the net. At his funeral, the players paid their respects by 
serving as Burl's pallbearers.
  Along with the Knott County community, Elaine and I send our 
condolences to Anita, their family, and all

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who loved Burl. I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in paying 
tribute to such a remarkable Kentuckian.

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