HONORING DONALD "DUDE" PAYNE

On 2025-04-28, Representative Randy K. Weber, Sr. (R-TX-14) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DONALD "DUDE" PAYNE" in the House.

HONORING DONALD "DUDE" PAYNE

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)] [House] [Page H1631] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DONALD ``DUDE'' PAYNE (Mr. Weber of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the outstanding service of my dear friend, one Commissioner Donald ``Dude'' Payne, who has dedicated the last 24 years of his life to Brazoria County with an absolutely unmatched spirit of service as well as leadership. Over these many years, Commissioner Payne has been a steadfast champion for the people of Brazoria County. He has tirelessly worked to meet the needs of our community, always treating everyone he encountered with dignity and respect. Whether it was assisting families in times of crises, whether it was spearheading critical infrastructure projects, or just simply supporting the growth of our local economy, Dude Payne never missed a beat, Madam Speaker. His hard work and selfless dedication have been the cornerstones of his service. Dude set a gold standard for public service, one defined by integrity, compassion, as well as humility. His love for Brazoria County and its people shines brightly in everything he has done. As he enters this next chapter of life, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Brazoria County and beyond. I thank Dude for his unwavering commitment to our beloved county. Blessings to him, his wonderful wife, Deborah, his children, his grandchildren, and, yes, great-grandchildren. We know he will be just as impactful in retirement as he was in public service. His leadership will leave a giant hole to fill in Brazoria County. I congratulate my friend on a well-earned retirement. May God bless him richly. Honoring Judge Ogden Bass Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a dedicated public servant from Brazoria County, Judge Ogden Bass, who was called home to be with our Lord on November 23, 2024, at the young age of 90. I had the privilege of knowing Judge Bass over the years, and his commitment to our community was absolutely unwavering. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He dedicated his career to the pursuit of justice, serving as Brazoria County District Attorney, Texas Assistant Attorney General, and presiding for three terms over the 300th District Court of Brazoria County. Judge Bass was not only known for just his wisdom and fairness in the courtroom but also for his deep compassion. He made himself available to the people he served. He would often arrive at the courthouse at 6 a.m. in the morning and be there until 5 p.m. so that any resident who needed the opportunity to be heard had that opportunity. If you needed help, Judge Bass was there. May God bless his family, especially his beloved bride of 70 years, Nan Gayle. May the judge's legacy of integrity, service, and justice continue to guide Brazoria County for generations to come. Honoring John Lee Sullivan Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor a true Texan whose life reflected the very best our great State had to offer. John Lee Sullivan, a fifth-generation Galveston Island resident, went home to be with our Lord on December 24, 2024. John's contributions to Texas were immeasurable. He served veterans through the General Land Office and Veterans Land Board. He launched successful ventures in real estate and poured his heart into the Sullivan Land and Cattle Company, caring deeply for the land and the livestock. John also served his community with passion, sitting on the Galveston City Council, serving as mayor pro tem, and contributing to organizations like the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. His leadership and his faith have left a lasting mark. May God bless his family, including his beloved wife of 53 years, Cindy, and may his legacy continue to shine and be a beacon for Galveston. ____________________