[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 201 (Thursday, November 18, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8442-S8443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JOHN D. BECKETT

 Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, with the U.S. Supreme Court 
set to consider Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization in oral 
arguments on December 1, 2021, I am taking time to recognize 
individuals whose dedication to the pro-life cause has led us to this 
point. In this case, I pay tribute to Mr. John D. Beckett from Elyria, 
OH. His activities have been intertwined with championing pro-life and 
religious freedom.
  Mr. Beckett graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
in 1960, after which he initially worked as an engineer in the 
aerospace industry. In 1963, he joined his father's small manufacturing 
business, R.W. Beckett Corporation, and 2 years later became president 
following his father's death. Under Mr. Beckett's leadership, this 
small company grew over time to become a worldwide leader in producing 
engineered components for residential and commercial heating. With its 
affiliates, the company employs nearly 1,000 people.
  In addition to his business endeavors, Mr. Beckett has long been 
active in both church and community-related activities. This is where 
he has established himself as a champion of the pro-life movement.
  In 1973, Mr. Beckett became a founding member of the Intercessors for 
America, a national prayer organization, and he continues to serve on 
the board today. The Intercessors for America has helped lead 
grassroots efforts for people of faith to unite in prayer for the pro-
life movement and for the unborn. In addition, he also became a 
founding board member of King's College in New York City, a Christian 
university, and he also serves on the board of Cru--Campus Crusade for 
Christ International. Alongside

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these community activities, Mr. Beckett also found time to become a 
published author, writing two books about faith in the workplace.
  For these business and community activities, Mr. Beckett has received 
numerous accolades. He received an honorary doctor of law degree from 
both Spring Arbor University in 2002 and also from King's College in 
2008. He was also named Christian Businessman of the Year by the 
Christian Broadcasting Network in 1999 and the Entrepreneur of the Year 
by Ernst & Young in 2003.
  Today, he resides in Elyria, OH, with his wife, Wendy, to whom he has 
been married since 1961.
  I am thankful to John D. Beckett for his support of many nonprofit 
organizations that defend the rights of the unborn and religious 
freedom. His work in helping establish the Intercessors for America has 
led to untold numbers of prayers being raised for the pro-life 
movement. I am pleased to honor his work through that organization as 
well as his lifetime of service to so many worthy causes.

                          ____________________