[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 207 (Tuesday, December 8, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H6912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF PASTOR DAVID BAKER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Missouri (Mrs. Hartzler) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the 
life of my friend, Pastor David Baker of Belton, Missouri.
  On November 29, Pastor Baker went to be with the Lord--a loss for us, 
but a gain for Heaven.
  This last August marked his 39th year as senior pastor of the First 
Baptist Church of Belton, Missouri, and 37 years from his founding of 
Heartland Christian Schools. Through these two ministries, more than 
6,000 people accepted Christ and over 2,000 people were baptized; truly 
remarkable.
  Mr. Speaker, Pastor David Baker had a tremendous impact on countless 
lives and was a leader in the community. He was respected for his 
knowledge as a Bible scholar, his kind heart, his love for others, and 
his willingness to share what God's Word says about the issues of the 
day. He was not afraid to take a stand for what is right and good, 
which is refreshing in today's world.
  Most of all, Pastor David Baker was a wonderful husband and ministry 
partner to his wife, Claire, and a loving father to his three 
children--Brian, Brett, and Brooke--and to his nine grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Pastor Baker will be deeply missed, but I know his 
legacy will live on in the thousands of lives he touched and influenced 
for eternity. I am thankful for his friendship through the years and I 
am grateful for the positive impact he made on our community and this 
Nation.


                   Honoring the Life of Ron Ditzfeld

  Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Mr. Ron Ditzfeld, a beloved business leader, philanthropist, and a 
true pillar in the Sedalia community.
  Ron Ditzfeld was born and raised in Sedalia, Missouri. His parents, 
Jon and Bernice, founded Ditzfeld Transfer, Incorporated, in 1960, with 
two straight trucks. In 1968, Ron Ditzfeld and his brother, Donnie, 
began working for the family business. In 1996, Ron took over as the 
President of Ditzfeld Transfer, Inc. Today, Ditzfeld Transfer, Inc., 
has more than 80 employees and provides trucking services, bus 
transportation, container services across the United States, trash 
pickup services, and provides warehouse and distribution services.
  Ron also served two years in the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg in North 
Carolina.
  Mr. Speaker, Ron was not only a beacon in the business community, he 
also was very active in the community serving on the board of several 
organizations, such as the State Fair Community College Foundation, CHS 
Cooperative Workshop, and Sedalia Airport.
  His civic involvement includes the State Fair Foundation, the 
Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County, Daum Museum of Contemporary 
Art at State Fair Community College, Sacred Heart Foundation, Child 
Safe of Central Missouri, Sedalia Bomber baseball, JROTC, and local/
national disaster relief efforts.
  Ron was dedicated to his community and he lent a hand whenever he 
could. Ron was even known to drive the Smith-Cotton High School JROTC 
and Team SCREAM robotics team to national competitions through Ditzfeld 
Transfer, Inc.'s charter services.
  Ron will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and community. 
Please join me in honoring Ron Ditzfeld, whose legacy will continue to 
impact countless lives for many generations to come.


                    Honoring the Life of Hope Lecci

  Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the 
life of Hope Lecci, a dedicated reporter at the Sedalia Democrat, who 
passed away just days from writing the news articles about the passing 
of community leader, Ron Ditzfeld.
  Hope began her career, not as a journalist, but as a teacher of 
English and history at Smithton School District, where she influenced 
countless students and future leaders, including our current State 
representative, Brad Pollitt.
  Mr. Speaker, Hope was respected and revered by all who knew her. She 
was professional, kind, and loving to those around her, dedicated to 
her family and her faith. I enjoyed getting to know her and interacting 
with her as a journalist. She was always fair and dedicated to ensuring 
every quote was accurate and the topic was thoroughly covered. I am 
sorry she will no longer be covering news in the area, but I know she 
is rejoicing and receiving her heavenly reward.
  Mr. Speaker, may her example inspire all of us to be our best in our 
professions and in our interactions with others.

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