[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12230-12231]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF DON A. BUCKALEW AND BUCKALEW CHEVROLET

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 22, 2015

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I honor my dear friend, Don A. 
Buckalew, and the golden anniversary of his ownership of Buckalew 
Chevrolet. For five decades Don and his family have supported our 
community and been a huge part of the Montgomery County success story.
  Raised by L. A. and Nellie Mae Buckalew in the sawmill community of 
Magnolia, Don was Valedictorian of Magnolia High School before earning 
his business degree at Baylor University. After starting his automotive 
career in Tomball and Humble, he became a partner in the Weisinger 
Chevrolet Company in Conroe. When W. B. Weisinger sold 50 percent of 
the company to Don in January of 1965, the name became Weisinger-
Buckalew Chevrolet. After Mr. Weisinger's passing, Don bought the 
remaining 50 percent and the name became Buckalew Chevrolet.
  Over the last half century, the name Buckalew has been synonymous 
with customer service and community. Don has served as chairman of the 
Board of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association and on the Board of 
Directors of the Houston Automobile Dealer Association.
  This Lion of the Year, Past International Director and Lions 
International Ambassador of Goodwill is a Lifetime Executive Committee 
Member and Director for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Lifetime 
Executive Committee and past Chairman of Montgomery County Fair 
Association, and has served as Chairman of Greater Conroe Economic 
Development Council, two-time Chairman and Man of the Year of Conroe/
Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce, President of Conroe Industrial 
Park, Inc., and Chairman of Montgomery County Hospital District. From 
being awarded the Time Quality Dealer Award by Time Magazine and 
National Automobile Dealers Association to receiving the Texas 
Automobile Dealers Association Legends Award, Don's industry and 
community accolades prove that with strong business and family 
principles, everything is possible.
  Don Buckalew's unwavering support of youth and education is evident 
in his service as past President and Board Member of the Conroe 
Independent School District Board of Trustees. In a rare honor, Conroe 
ISD opened Don A. Buckalew Elementary School in 1998. In keeping with 
Don's love for all things Baylor, the Bear was named the school mascot 
and the colors are, not surprisingly, Green and Gold.
  Don and his wife Elaine are members of First Baptist Church Conroe. 
They have 7 children, Debbie, Donnie, Denny, Deann, Kristen, Bryan and 
Lacey and 13 grandchildren. Five of Don's children, a daughter-in-law 
and three grandchildren have earned Baylor degrees and at least two 
more grandchildren will soon follow.
  An outstanding record of leadership, service, honesty and integrity 
and love of family

[[Page 12231]]

are only part of the Don Buckalew legend. My friend's philanthropic 
heart--his unsung support of those in his community who need it the 
most--is an example to us all of how to walk in the steps of Our Lord. 
Please join me in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Buckalew 
Chevrolet in Conroe and in honoring the man who has set that standard, 
Don Buckalew.

                          ____________________