[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2238-H2239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOE LEEPER

  (Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, if you want to understand the 
strength of a community, look at the men and women who quietly built 
it, not for recognition or reward, but because it was the right thing 
to do.
  Today, I rise to honor one of those men, Joe Leeper of Fernandina 
Beach, Florida, who passed away at 97 after an amazing life of service.
  Born in 1928, Joe was part of a generation of Americans who answered 
the call to serve, worked hard, raised strong families, and built 
communities.
  In 1946, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving honorably 
during

[[Page H2239]]

the Korean war, even doing an assignment in Florida. That is where, Mr. 
Speaker, he met the love of his life, Alberta Jordan. They were blessed 
with four children, Brenda, Bill, Durwin, and Danny, building a family 
legacy that spans generations and continues to grow.
  After the Navy, Joe drove a Greyhound bus but sought to become a 
police officer in Fernandina Beach. The story goes, he approached the 
chief with: ``Chief, how do I become a police officer?'' The chief 
asked him: ``Can you start today?'' and he did.

                              {time}  1215

  After several years in law enforcement, Joe went on to spend 27 years 
at Container Corporation, starting at the scale shack and retiring as a 
timber accountant.
  Joe's greatest legacy, Mr. Speaker, and his greatest impact is on the 
kids in Nassau County, Florida. He coached Little League, led 
championship teams, and helped establish youth football, which 
continues to this day, giving thousands of kids the chance to play and 
cheer, including me and so many other Bean boys.
  Joe also served 62 years as a Shriner and delighted so many by 
driving in parades with his three-wheeled motorcycle and dune buggy 
raising money for sick children.
  Mr. Speaker, Joe Leeper didn't seek recognition. He simply showed up 
year after year for his country, his family, and his community.
  On behalf of Florida's Fourth Congressional District, I and my wife, 
Abby, extend our deepest condolences to the entire Leeper family and 
Joe Leeper fans across northeast Florida. Joe's legacy lives on in 
every kid who plays and cheers in programs he pioneered through decades 
of faithful service. May he rest in peace.

                          ____________________