[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 21812-21813]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             REMEMBERING A.C. BARGER OF CENTERVILLE, TEXAS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the memory of A.C. 
Barger of Centerville, Texas, a constituent, friend, and distinguished 
American who recently passed away. A.C. Barger was a patriot who loved 
his country dearly. As an Army veteran, he fought for freedom. A.C. saw 
action on the front lines of the Korean War. He put his life on the 
line for others. He knew freedom is never free.
  A successful businessman who worked his way from the ground up, A.C. 
became the owner of the Wormser Hat Company, creating jobs and hope and 
opportunity for others. A.C. Barger was an entrepreneur. A loyal 
Republican, A.C. worked tirelessly to elect Republican candidates and 
was responsible for leading the Leon County Republican Party in my 
district, and all agree he was the heart and soul of that party.
  As one who loved his fellow man, A.C. was well known for his 
volunteer services. From serving as the director of the Leon County 
Crime Stoppers, to leading the local VFW, to volunteering at the senior 
center, A.C. Barger made a difference in people's lives. A devoted 
Christian and devoted family man, A.C. was a lay minister in the 
Methodist Church and was married to his lovely wife, Darlene, for 45 
years.
  Mr. Speaker, in 8 days I am due to become the father of a son. I can 
think of no greater tribute to pay a man than to say I would be proud 
to have my son grow up and be like A.C. Barger. I have no doubt that 
A.C. has been received with the words ``Well done, good and faithful 
servant.'' I was proud to know A.C. Barger, and we will miss him.
  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. HENSARLING. I yield to the gentleman from Texas, a dear friend of 
Mr. Barger's.
  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me, 
and I rise with him tonight to honor the memory of our fellow friend 
and Texan, A.C. Barger of Leon County, Texas.
  A.C. left us in July; and although I am saddened by the loss of such 
a vibrant and caring person, I feel privileged to have known him and 
will tell you that my life was honored as a result of his service not 
only to me but to others.

                              {time}  2350

  A.C. left behind a giant footprint throughout his years, and he touch 
the lives of many, many people. He opened

[[Page 21813]]

his home to me on numerous occasions and I can testify he was a man 
filled with the joy of living. He was also a man dedicated to service, 
service to his wife, service to his family, service to his Lord, 
service to his community, service to his country. He was a husband, a 
father, a friend, and a patriot.
  From his service to the U.S. Army in Korea, to his work with the 
youth and elderly in Leon County, Texas, A.C. Barger made a difference 
and inspired others to do the same. Anyone can talk about ideas, but 
A.C. recognized that only actions ultimately mattered. He cared about 
people, and he did his very best to provide them with happiness. A.C. 
walked the walk when it came to putting others first.
  I thank A.C.'s family for sharing him with us over the years. A.C. 
leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Darlene, as well as his daughters, 
Kathy and Donna, and their families. I share their sense of loss. I 
know that A.C.'s family misses him, and I know that others in Texas, 
including myself in those, would say great job, and we will miss you 
our friend.

                          ____________________