[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 7674]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO LUTHER DEATON, JR.

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to commend an accomplished 
Kentuckian and good friend, Mr. Luther Deaton, Jr. A native of 
Breathitt County, KY, Mr. Deaton is an esteemed banker, revered 
community leader, inspiring mentor, and caring father.
  Luther began his career in the banking industry as an assistant 
manager and teller with Central Bank & Trust Co. in Lexington in 1978. 
Little did he know that initial exposure would lead to a lifetime of 
professional achievements. Possessed with a resolute and unshakeable 
determination to advance his employer's cause, Luther rapidly rose 
through the company's ranks. In January 1996, the Board of Directors 
promoted Luther to president and CEO of Central Bank, and in March 
2002, he was named chairman of the bank. He also serves as the chairman 
of Commerce Lexington, Inc., which seeks to expand and attract economic 
development in central Kentucky.
  While Central Bank has flourished under Luther, it is his leadership 
presence in central Kentucky I admire most. His formidable array of 
accomplishments directly results from his passion to improve the 
quality of life for his fellow Kentuckians. In September 1997, the 
Lexington Theological Seminary named Luther as the second recipient of 
the John R. Wooden Award, an honor given to layman whose life shows 
commitment to, and active involvement in, a faith community and 
evidence of putting one's faith to work for the welfare of humankind. 
In 2001, he was the recipient of the Governor's Economic Development 
Leadership Award for the State of Kentucky. Additionally, the Junior 
Achievement of the Bluegrass inducted Luther into the 2004 Bluegrass 
Business Hall of Fame, due to his labor and vision to improve the 
quality of life in the Bluegrass area.
  Later this month, Luther will be the honoree at the Volunteers of 
America Tribute Dinner in Lexington, KY. Here the community will have 
an opportunity to thank him for all of his contributions and honor his 
achievements.
  Mr. President, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and 
recognizing one of Kentucky's pre-eminent professionals, Mr. Luther 
Deaton, Jr.

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