The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING MAXIE WALKER WILSON” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1753-E1754 on Oct. 4, 2002.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING MAXIE WALKER WILSON
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HON. RALPH M. HALL
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, October 3, 2002
Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to a longtime friend and a prominent member of the Overton, Texas, community, Maxie Walker Wilson, who passed away in June of this year at the age of 85. Walker was active in various projects throughout his life and was well-known as a cattle rancher, breeder and importer who traveled throughout the world in search of cattle.
As a result of his extensive travel, Walker was instrumental in improving the importation process of foreign cattle breeds to the United States and the building of a quarantine station in the Florida Keys by the United States Department of Agriculture. He served in various capacities for many cattle breed associations, including president of the American International Charolais Association, president of the American Charbray Association, director of the Texas Charolais Breeders Association, director of the Bluebonnet Charolais Association and a founding member of the East Texas Farm and Ranch Club.
Walker was a prominent leader of the Overton community. He served on the Overton School Board for six years and was president for a two-year term. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and the East Texas Area Council and in 1960 received the Silver Beaver Award for outstanding service to the Boy Scouts. As a member of the Overton Chamber of Commerce, he was selected as ``Outstanding Citizen of the Year'' in 1964. He was also a member of the Overton Rotary Club and a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees.
Walker's favorite pastime was the game of golf. He was active in the Overton Golf Association for many years and assisted in the development of the Overton Community Golf Course. He also was an avid quail hunter, a sport he enjoyed with his sons and close friends.
Walker is survived by his wife of 64 years, Winifred Wilson; sons and daughters-in-law Weir and Susan Wilson of Fort Worth, Dr. Steve and Charlotte Wilson of Tyler, and Barry and Pat Wilson of Big Spring; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, Walker was one of those men who dreamed big and worked hard to make those dreams come true. He was always active in his business, in his community, and with his family, and he will be sorely missed. I am grateful that he was my friend, and it is a privilege today to join his family and many friends in celebrating the life of this great Texan, Walker Wilson.
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