[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E293-E294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 70TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF LEROY AND OVIA MARIE MCGINNIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 11, 2020

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my 
dear friends, Leroy and Ovia Marie McGinnis, on their 70th wedding 
anniversary. Married on March 10, 1950, the couple has experienced a 
lifetime of ups and downs, successes and failures, and many wonderful 
memories. Together, they raised six children, Pat (spouse Bob) Bell, 
Jack (spouse Edna) McGinnis, the late Kim (spouse Diana) McGinnis, Don 
(spouse Tina) McGinnis, Renee (spouse Ed) Bowen, and Michele McGinnis. 
They have also been blessed with 18 grandchildren and 34 great-
grandchildren. I can only imagine the excitement and exuberance at 
their family get-togethers.
   The couple both grew up in Gainesville, Missouri, and were reunited 
after Leroy's discharge from the Navy. He was on his way to

[[Page E294]]

San Diego when he decided to stop and visit his sister, who was Ovia 
Marie's best friend at the time. It only took three short months for 
the couple to realize they had ``together forever'' in mind, and 
eloped. They recall the memory fondly and laugh at their lack of 
grandeur; Ovia wore jeans down the aisle and didn't tell her parents 
about the wedding until she missed her curfew that night.
   Over the years, Leroy and Ovia became well-respected community and 
business leaders in their town of Cuba, Missouri. Mr. McGinnis founded 
and still serves as CEO of McGinnis Wood Products, which he started in 
1968. They make hand-crafted wine and bourbon barrels that are sold to 
some of the country's top-selling distilleries, as well as companies in 
Japan, Spain, and Scotland. After five generations of family 
involvement, I think it's safe to say this is a remarkable family-owned 
company that will serve as a legacy for the McGinnis family for 
generations to come.
   I am so honored for the opportunity to wish the McGinnis's a happy 
anniversary and many joyous returns of the occasion.

                          ____________________