[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 3244]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              REMEMBERING LEONARD TRUMAN ``BUCK'' FERRELL

  Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to a patriot, a 
businessman, a loyal father, and an American hero. Though Leonard 
Truman Ferrell--``Buck'' to his many family and friends--was laid to 
rest at Arlington Cemetery this morning, I know that his legacy lives 
on in the community that he helped build, the family that he nurtured, 
and the soldiers with whom he served. Today I would like to take a few 
moments to honor Buck's life and the contributions he made to his 
community.
  Born and raised in southeast Missouri, Buck was imbued from an early 
age with those quintessential American values so prevalent among the 
members of the Greatest Generation: integrity, service to others, 
determination, and an undying sense of patriotism. Since Buck's family 
didn't have much money growing up, he learned at a young age to live 
within his means and to place little value on worldly possessions. ``My 
father didn't have a lot of worldly goods,'' Buck once said, ``but he 
was a rich man in character.'' I know I speak for many when I say that 
Buck, first and foremost, was also a man rich in character.
  Buck was also a patriot of the highest order. Having served in the 
U.S. Army during the Korean war, he fought for 2 years on the Korean 
Peninsula and earned, among other decorations, the Combat Infantry 
Badge, the Presidential Unit Citation, two Silver Stars, and two Purple 
Hearts. Wounded multiple times, Buck never faltered and steadfastly 
manned his post, whether in a frontline foxhole or as a heavy weapons 
trainer for new recruits. In light of his outstanding service, Buck was 
even offered a battlefield commission. Though he chose not to accept 
the commission, Buck returned home and remained an active member in a 
number of veterans' organizations, like the American Legion and the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, for the rest of his life. Never forgetting 
the country that he fought to protect, he raised--every morning--an 
American flag in his front yard.
  As you can guess, Buck's dedication to others and stalwart work ethic 
continued long after his military service ended. For 25 years, he 
worked at the McCrate Equipment store in Caruthersville, MO, and 
retired as the general manager. As a member and former deacon at First 
Baptist Church, Buck helped sustain a thriving congregation, and he 
also took on a number of leadership roles in the local Masonic Lodge 
and Kiwanis Club. His extensive community involvement earned him the 
Pioneer Heritage Award from the Pemiscot County Historical Society and 
recognition by the Missouri State Legislature for his enduring impact 
in southeast Missouri.
  But even with all of these commitments, Buck always had time for 
family. He and his wife Patsy Malin Ferrell raised four wonderful 
children, were the beloved grandparents to four grandchildren, and one 
great-granddaughter. In fact, I can personally attest to the great job 
the Ferrells did with their children--their talented daughter Christy 
is currently an invaluable member of my staff and is seated along with 
many other members of the Ferrell family, in the gallery today. My 
prayers are with them all in this time of loss.
  Mr. President, I ask today that my fellow Senators join me in 
recognizing Buck Ferrell, not only because he was a great Missourian, 
but also because he embodied the true American values that have 
cemented American society for generations. Buck worked hard, served 
God, fought for his country, and loved his family. In short, he lived a 
life worth living.

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