[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 79 (Tuesday, May 7, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E461-E462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING JUDGE IRA LLOYD ``TOOKIE'' KIRKHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 2024

  Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my long-
time friend, Ira Lloyd ``Tookie'' Kirkham of Tarkington Prairie, Texas, 
who passed away on April 29, 2024. Tookie dutifully served the 
residents of Liberty County for twelve years as county judge before 
retiring in 2006. He was a patriarch in the surrounding community, a 
wonderful mentor to many, a fantastic athlete, and a devoted public 
servant.
  Tookie was born on August 26, 1942, in Cleveland, Texas, to Ira Joe 
Kirkham and Bobbie Chapman Kirkham. The family later moved to 
Tarkington Prairie, where Tookie attended Tarkington High School, 
excelling in

[[Page E462]]

many different sports. His athletic accomplishments in high school 
earned him nine college scholarships, a state championship in the high 
jump, and All-State honors in football and basketball. After graduation 
in 1961, Tookie attended the University of Corpus Christi on a 
basketball scholarship. Nevertheless, he remained a staunch supporter 
of Tarkington ISD and Tarkington athletics for the rest of his life.
  Following college, Tookie accepted a job as a lineman with 
Southwestern Bell but soon moved on to work at Jefferson Chemical 
before spending many years at Texaco. During that time, he also started 
a second career in public service, beginning with an appointment on the 
Dairy Day Board in 1968. Tookie went on to hold many other public 
service positions, including serving on the Tarkington School Board, 
the Cleveland Bank and Trust Board of Directors, the Soil and Water 
Conservation District, the Trinity River Board, and the Yettie-Kersting 
Hospital Board. He was also an involved member and leader at Oak Shade 
Baptist Church, the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, the 
Cleveland Rotary Club, and the Tarkington Prairie Masonic Lodge No. 
498.
  However, the crescendo of his public service career occurred when 
Tookie was elected as Liberty County Judge in 1994, the first person to 
ever do so from Tarkington Prairie. Throughout his tenure in this 
position, Tookie remained committed to bringing jobs and industry to 
Liberty County. He championed many transportation projects in the area, 
promoted fiscally conservative policies, and worked to help juveniles 
turn their lives around. In retirement, Tookie's role in local politics 
was advisor and counselor to many elected officials, often filling in 
as a substitute judge for surrounding Southeast Texas county judges. 
One of Tookie's legacy projects was the State Highway 105 relief route 
bypass in Cleveland. For his work securing contracts, right-of-way, and 
funding, the Texas Department of Transportation honored him with its 
prestigious Road Hand Award in 2012.
  Tookie married his high school sweetheart, Cordella Price Kirkham, in 
1964 and had two daughters, Kem and Kehle. His four grandchildren and 
two great-grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life.
  Mr. Speaker, I will always appreciate Judge Ira Lloyd ``Tookie'' 
Kirkham's support and friendship over the years. I send my deepest 
sympathy and prayers to his wife, Cordella, and loved ones. He will 
certainly be missed by all.

                          ____________________