[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 121 (Thursday, July 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E765-E766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING EVERETTE B. ``OBIE'' OBENSHAIN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2022

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Everette B. 
``Obie'' Obenshain, Jr. of Salem, Virginia, who passed away on July 14, 
2022, at the age of 82. Obie served the City of Salem as sheriff for 30 
years.
  Obie was born to Everette B. Obenshain, Sr, and Mildred Obenshain. He 
served as a Patrolman for the Salem Police Department from November 3, 
1966, until July 4, 1969. That year, after Salem had become an 
independent city, he was elected city sergeant and supervised an office 
of four deputies. In 1971, the Code of Virginia changed and the post 
became sheriff. He held that position for decades. From 1981 to 1982, 
he also served as President of the Virginia Sheriffs' Association. In 
addition to his service as the elected sheriff, Obie held an 
appointment on the Salem Board of Elections for nineteen years.
  Obie was an active citizen beyond his roles in Salem government. He 
belonged to the Edgewood Lions Club since 1965, the American Legion, 
and the Salem Sports Foundation. As a proud Republican, he was the 
first member of the party to win a citywide election. While he was 
often encouraged to run as an independent when he was on the ballot, he 
always ran on the party ticket and supported others who did the same.
  I was honored to call Obie a friend. I knew him before my law career 
began and worked with him for years, including in his capacity as 
sheriff. During my terms in the Virginia House of Delegates, I heard 
from him often as he sought to raise the pay of his deputies. The 
loyalty he showed them was characteristic of the man.
  Obie was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel. He is survived by son 
Everette ``EB'' Obenshain III; daughter Susan King; grandchildren Amber 
Cook (Justin), Sarah Sieloff and husband, Jack, Emily Obenshain, Rachel 
Brodrecht and husband, Lawson, Mason King, and Gia King; and great-
granddaughter, Haleigh Cook. He is also survived by adoptive 
grandchildren Scott McCauley, wife Amanda, and daughter, Braeleigh, 
Jordan McCauley and wife, Alexa, and DeAnna McCauley; and many nieces 
and nephews. I offer them condolences on the loss of a fine man and 
public servant.

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