[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 81 (Monday, May 15, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S1646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             REMEMBERING EDGAR ``BEE'' ERNEST WILHELMS, JR.

 Mr. SCHMITT. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and 
memory of Mr. Edgar ``Bee'' Ernest Wilhelms, Jr., of Reynolds County, 
MO.
  Edgar Wilhelms, Jr., born in Exchange, MO, on September 12, 1925, was 
the last remaining World War II veteran in Reynolds County. In 1943, at 
18 years old, Edgar enlisted with the U.S. Army. During his time in 
service, he achieved the rank of corporal and aided the Allied efforts 
in the European Theater. In January of 1946, Corporal Wilhelms left the 
Army to return to his family back in Missouri.
  A few months prior to his military service, Edgar married his loving 
wife, Lucille G. Haywood, in Ellington, MO. During their marriage, they 
had four children. Edgar's greatest joy in life was spending time with 
his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-
grandchildren. In addition to spending time with his family, Edgar 
enjoyed fishing, cooking fish, and hunting quail, squirrel, deer, and 
elk. Edgar was also very involved in his community. He was a lifetime 
member of the VFW Post 6660 in Centerville, MO, a former member of the 
Barnesville Masonic Lodge No. 353, and a congregant at the Ellington 
First Baptist Church.
  Edgar passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at the age of 97. He is 
remembered by his family and friends as a loving husband, father, 
grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend. He 
will be deeply missed by all who knew him. I ask my Senate colleagues 
to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Edgar ``Bee'' Ernest Wilhelms, 
Jr., and I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and friends 
during this difficult time of mourning.

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