Political Quotes

“I would like to take some time this morning to celebrate the life of a remarkable American, the late Smith Wildman Brookhart, III. Mr. Brookhart was born on January 22, 1935, and passed away last month. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gail Anderson Brookhart; three sons and their wives; and 10 grandchildren. One of Smith's sons, Tom Brookhart, and his wife, Debra Brookhart, are my constituents and good friends in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Let me talk for a moment about Smith Brookhart's life. After graduating from East High School in Duluth, Minnesota, Smith attended Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa, receiving his degree in 1957. He served our country in uniform as an ensign in the United States Navy. His service included two Antarctic expeditions. As a Navy pilot myself, I can tell you Antarctic expeditions are not something that are friendly; I will just say that. Ultimately, Smith moved his family to Branson, Missouri, where he became the CEO of Ozark Mountain Bank. He served in that capacity for over three decades. He was very involved in the development of Branson, Missouri. My family and I have had occasion to visit Branson. It is a very family-friendly town where Christians are very welcome. I know that Smith's Christian faith was very important to him. At age 69, Smith received a heart transplant and was given a new lease on life.…”