[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 78 (Monday, May 6, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING CARL PARKER
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. D'Esposito). The Chair recognizes the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber of Texas) for 5 minutes.
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and
legacy of one Senator Carl Allen Parker, a true southeast Texas giant.
Born in Port Arthur during the Great Depression, Senator Parker
dedicated decades to serving the people of southeast Texas. He was a
distinguished lawyer, statesman, and beloved native son of Port Arthur.
Senator Parker leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to
public service and tireless advocacy for the people of our great State.
He will be remembered for his 34 years as a member of the Texas
Legislature, starting with his election to the House of Representatives
in 1962 and then later to the Texas Senate, where he served until 1995.
As we mourn the passing of this remarkable man, let us also celebrate
his extraordinary life and the lasting impact he had on our State. May
his legacy inspire future generations of public servants to follow in
his footsteps and continue the work of building a better Texas for us
all.
Honoring Judge Randall Hufstetler
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to
honor the extraordinary life of the Honorable Kenneth Randall
Hufstetler, State district judge of the 300th District Court of
Brazoria County. For his relentless dedication to public service and
remarkable contributions to our community, he will always be remembered
as a Brazoria County icon.
Randy was a Texan whose life exemplified faith, family, and service.
His tenure as a judge was marked by his steadfast commitment to
upholding our United States Constitution. With integrity and diligence,
he interpreted and applied the law to ensure fairness and justice in
every single case that crossed his bench.
Despite losing his battle with cancer too soon, Randy's legacy of
courage and strength will endure, inspiring us all. Though he may no
longer walk among us, Randy's impact will continue to be felt in the
lives he touched and the values he instilled.
To his beautiful family, Danette and kids, Randy was the epitome of
love, strength, and devotion, cherishing each moment with them as the
greatest gift of his life.
To Judge Kenneth Randall Hufstetler, we say farewell with gratitude
and admiration.
Honoring Gerald Sullivan
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a
distinguished Texan, Gerald Sullivan, who has been selected as the 2024
Buck N' Ball honoree.
Gerald's story is nothing but a pure Lone Star legend, showcasing
grit, guts, and a whole lot of Texas-sized success.
From Galveston County to the halls of Texas A&M, Gerald's
entrepreneurial spirit has left an indelible mark. As chairman of the
Port of Galveston, he steered us through Hurricane Ike's wrath,
ensuring our ports and Galveston's resilience.
His dedication to education and sharing insights with students
reflects his commitment to the next generation, not to mention the
Sullivan family's century-long legacy in the beef cattle industry,
grazing cattle in salt grass pastures along the Coastal Bend and then
shipping them from the Port of Galveston to Caribbean nations like
Haiti and Cuba.
I congratulate Gerald and Susanne, his lovely bride, on Gerald
receiving the Buck' N Ball award from the Bryan Museum in Galveston,
where they are preserving Texas history. Gerald's commitment and
dedication are inspiring to southeast Texas, and I am glad and proud to
call him a friend.
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