[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5757]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF ALENE OWENS

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2017

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, after four decades of service on the 
Downhome Gospel radio show on KMVL and two decades as the show's 
primary host, Alene Owens signed off Madisonville's airwaves on Sunday, 
April 2, 2017.
  Although she was born 84 years ago in Nacogdoches, Texas, Miss Alene 
and her family settled in Madisonville in 1976 where she began working 
as an assistant radio co-host. Never did she think she would host the 
Sunday morning gospel hour, but that is just what happened. After the 
host moved away, KMVL owner Leon Hunt asked Miss Alene to take over.
  Miss Alene says she didn't know much about the radio business or 
hosting a radio show back then, but she dove right in and started 
sharing her love of the Lord to all who tuned in. She cherishes the 
listeners and supporters of her show and considers herself blessed to 
share God's glory over the radio.
  As a busy member of Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church, Miss Alene 
has more praise for the Lord than ever. She is Superintendent of her 
Sunday School Class and a member of a prayer band that meets four times 
a week--all while striving to get even more involved in her Women's 
Bible Class.
  As if her calling wasn't enough, Miss Alene is excited about having 
more time to enjoy her nine great-grandchildren. While she feels the 
Lord moving her in a new direction, she remains thankful for her 
faithful listeners, station owner Leon Hunt, the KMVL family, and 
especially her Heavenly Father for ``the strength to continue on this 
long.''
  She is confident that the next Downhome Gospel host will take the 
program she has loved for four decades to ``another level in the name 
of Jesus.'' As she embarks on her next adventure, it is my honor to 
recognize Miss Alene and thank her for her many years of faithful 
service.

                          ____________________