The loss of Mr. CHRISTOPHER will be keenly felt by all who knew him, and admired him for his integrity. On behalf of the production credit association, board, and staff, we extend our heartfelt sympathy. Sincerely yours, PAUL V. SLUSHER, President, Board of Directors. L. A. BOCKENSTETTE, Director, Cass County. GLEN CRIM, Secretary-Treasurer. AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Chicago, Ill., January 28, 1959. Mrs. RAY J. RATLIFF, DEAR MRS. RATLIFF: It was my good fortune to have been counsel for the Veterans' Affairs Committee for the past 11 years and during this time, of course, I became acquainted with your father, the late Congressman CHRISTOPHER. I was saddened to read in the paper Saturday morning of his passing and feel that I have lost a real friend. I got acquainted with him in the work of the committee but more particularly when I was along at a hearing in which he was interested in Kansas City a few years ago. I shall always remember his keen sense of humor and how reasonable he was to work with. My sympathy goes out to you and other members of your family in your loss. DEAR MRS. RATLIFF: In the belief you would rather have not been bothered with letters of condolences during the period of great sorrow and shock that was suddenly thrust upon you and your family, I have purposely withheld writing you. As I'm sure you are fully aware, I considered Mr. CHRISTOPHER one of the truly great men that it has been my pleasure to know. With out a doubt, the farmers and common people throughout Missouri and the Nation have lost one of their greatest leaders and friends. One of the most pleasant memories of my life will be the simple fact that I not only worked with Congressman GEORGE H. CHRISTOPHER, but that I knew beyond all doubt that he considered me as a trusted friend. On behalf of every official of our association may I extend to you and the other members of your family our deepest sympathy. Sincerely yours, Mr. JULIUS HELM, JULIUS HELM, BARTON COUNTY ELECTRIC CO-OP, INC., General Manager, Missouri State Rural Electrification Association, Jefferson City, Mo. DEAR JULIUS: As per your request, I have attempted to rewrite the eulogy delivered at the congressional breakfast on February 10. The wording is probably not exactly the same; however, it is substantially correct. Please use your own judgment in editing and rewording as might be desirable. "Mr. Chairman, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, there is nothing I can say here this morning that would pay proper tribute to the memory of one of the greatest champions of the causes of our rural people. "I am speaking, of course, about the Honorable GEORGE CHRISTOPHER Who was Congressman from my district. "I think we should observe a moment of silence as a token of our esteem; will you please stand. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen." I hope this will answer the request, CHAS. W. HOLCOMB, Manager. BROTHERHOOD OF RAILWAY CLERKS, GATEWAY LODGE NO. 2024, Kansas City, Mo., March 9, 1959. IN TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HONORABLE GEORGE H. CHRISTOPHER Scripture: John 1: 4-7. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. Remarks: The Honorable GEORGE H. CHRISTOPHER was my friend and as friends we had things in common. Among the things we held in common were our God and the “human family" to which he consecrated so much of his interest and influence. I would say of Mr. CHRISTOPHER that "he went about doing good and the common people heard him gladly.” When God saw fit to take his devoted wife from this world, Mr. CHRISTOPHER remarked that if God needed her worse than he did, that God was certainly short of help. This remark was not made with any bitterness but in an attitude of appreciation for the years his wife had so tirelessly stood by him as companion—a helpmate ordained of God for GEORGE H. CHRISTOPHER-the mother of his children. At a time when the world is in dire need of the counsel of men such as GEORGE H. CHRISTOPHER, we say in this same attitude "If God needed him worse than we do, He is certainly short of help." Prayer: Omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God, in this time of sorrow we would thank you for your love, for your mercy, for your presence. We thank you for the life of this one to whom we pay tribute today. We thank you for the footprints he has made on the threshold of this generation. We pray that we might follow these footprints, for we believe them to be just, unselfish, dedicated, consecrated, directing us toward peace in a world where hunger shall be obliterated and where the "human family” he loved will be recognized as "created in the image of God." Raise up another like unto this one whose passing we mourn, that we might have new hope for tomorrow. Bless these children and their children in this hour of sorrow and loneliness. As you have stilled the stormy tempest, still the tempest within their hearts; be their guiding light. Finally, God, bless the good earth which he loved as she receives him back into her strong bosom to give him rest from his labors. Hallow this grave till Jesus come, we pray. J. A. SANDERS. |