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“HONORING THOMAS SAMUEL STEPHENS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E801 on May 4, 2011.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THOMAS SAMUEL STEPHENS
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HON. SAM GRAVES
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the life of Thomas Samuel Stephens of Cameron, Missouri. Thomas' achievements and service, both to his country and his community, were great and we are indebted to him for his sacrifices.
Mr. Speaker, Thomas Samuel Stephens was born on June 8, 1918, in Temple, Texas, to his parents, Lessie and Rufus Stephens. On January 14, 1944, Thomas had the fortune of marrying the love his life, Euclid Elizabeth Stockton, at their church in Temple, Texas. Together they raised one daughter, Patti Jane. Thomas passed away on December 2, 2010, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Mr. Speaker, Thomas was a true patriot. He served in the 80th Infantry Division, 3rd Army, 319 Regiment C Company, 4th Platoon under General George Patton from August 26, 1943 to March 29, 1946. He received the Purple Heart, EAME Campaign Medal with one Bronze Service Star, an American Theatre Campaign Medal and a Victory Medal, as well as a Sharpshooter and Rifle pin.
Mr. Speaker, after being honorably discharged, Thomas received his Masters Degree and taught at the University of Texas A&M in the Horticulture Department from 1948-1953. Thomas then spent the rest of his career working for the United States Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service, actively engaging in food and food storage research that is used in the food products we enjoy in every grocery store today.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to Thomas' patriotism and contributions to agriculture in the United States, Thomas also had a passion of enjoying God's world by fishing, campaigning and planting trees. Thomas was active in his church and enjoyed singing, having been a part of the first group of Singing Cadets at Texas A&M. Thomas deeply loved his family.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring the life of Thomas Samuel Stephens. I am truly grateful for his service to our country and his contributions to agriculture.
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