[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 146 (Friday, August 14, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLES BATTISE ``C.B.'' CELESTINE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 14, 2020

  Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Vietnam War veteran Charles Battise ``C.B.'' Celestine, who passed 
away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at the age of 84. Mr. Celestine was 
a long-time affiliate of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and 
proudly served as a councilman.
  C.B. Celestine was born on May 5, 1935, to Gus and Flanche Boatman 
Celestine in Livingston, Texas. As a young adult, he admirably joined 
the U.S. Army and fought bravely in the Vietnam War. Following his 
military service, C.B. worked for Triple S Construction in Texas, and 
after many years of service, retired as a Boilermaker Supervisor from 
the company. He spent much of his life in Livingston but had lived in 
Kountze, Texas, for the past nine years, married to his lovely wife 
Hazel and father to his four children.
  Mr. Celestine was a proud member of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of 
Texas, a native speaker, and was known for his extensive traditional 
knowledge of the Tribe. C.B. was also the eldest member of the Beaver 
Clan. While growing up in the Tribe, he was in a singing quintet with a 
few of his tribal brothers called the Woody Woodrome quintet, and they 
produced an album together titled the Excitement of the Gospel. He 
spent much time of his adult life singing, playing gospel music, and 
celebrating the life of Christ with his family and friends.
  C.B. reflected God's love daily in his service to his Tribe and 
others and leaves behind quite a legacy. A committed Christian, he 
spent much of his life as an active member of Indian Baptist Church in 
Polk County, Texas. In his spare time, he also enjoyed working on race 
cars with his son Jimmy, hunting, and spending time with his four 
wonderful grandchildren.
  He is proceeded in death by his parents, Gus and Flanche Celestine; 
son, Timmy Celestine; daughter, Tania Honeycutt; brothers, Gus 
Celestine, Jr., Milton Warren Celestine, and Wesley Celestine; sisters, 
Florence Robinson and Claire Breaux. He is survived by his loving wife 
of 57 years, Hazel Celestine of Kountze; sons, Jimmy Celestine and 
Charles Celestine of Kountze; grandchildren, Maegan Drake, Morgan 
Celestine, Jordan Honeycutt, and Maddie Honeycutt.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the family of Mr. Celestine for 
C.B.'s faithful service and devotion to his country, Tribe, and 
community. My thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends.

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