[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8524]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CHARLES D. KIRKHAM, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 2010

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor the life and work of a great Texan and dear friend, Mr. Charles 
D. Kirkham, Jr. who recently passed away at the age of 84.
  Mr. Kirkham was a remarkable person who leaves behind a legacy of 
excellence and distinction. He led a passionate life that saw many 
unique events, and he worked diligently throughout his days to better 
himself and his family. I knew him to be a man that never bought into 
racial or gender bias, and instead admired people because of their 
character and sincerity. I send my deep condolences to his family for 
their loss, and my thoughts will be with them during this difficult 
time.
  Mr. Kirkham was born on July 28, 1925, in Cleburn, Texas, to Charles 
D. Kirkham, Sr. and Mary Ellen Payne Kirkham. He graduated from Cleburn 
High School in 1943 and shortly thereafter he left for Europe to fight 
in World War II with the 94th Infantry Division. It was there that he 
performed heroic actions that garnered him a Purple Heart and a Unit 
Commendation Bronze Star. He returned to Texas after the war and 
received a degree from Texas A&M University in 1950 where he served as 
President of the Student Senate.
  After completing his degree, Mr. Kirkham began a long and industrious 
career with Merrill Lynch where he worked for 45 years. He was a 
successful stock broker and made a name for himself that people still 
regard in high esteem today. He served in the Texas House of 
Representatives during the 53rd and 54th Legislature representing 
Cleburn and Johnson counties. Throughout his life, he was active with 
Texas A&M University and served on the Board of Directors of the 
Association of Former Students.
  Madam Speaker, I am so privileged to be able to bring the life of 
Charles Kirkham to the attention of this Congress. He was a man of 
great character and deep personal conviction, and he will be truly 
missed. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in honoring the 
life of this great man who led a noble life and gave wholeheartedly to 
his community.

                          ____________________