[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 17949-17950] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF DONALD RAY TOW ______ HON. JIM COSTA of california in the house of representatives Friday, August 1, 2008 Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Donald Ray Tow of Selma, California, who recently passed away at the age of 74. He leaves behind the love of his life of 44 years, Marie, along with 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Mr. Tow was born on June 2, 1934, in Checotah, Oklahoma, but was raised in the Central Valley. As a teenager Don moved from Bakersfield to Selma, California, and graduated from Selma High School in 1952. Upon graduation from Selma High School he [[Page 17950]] attended Reedley College prior to joining the U.S. Air Force in 1953. While in the Air Force Don proudly served his country in Korea. After returning from Korea he continued his education at Fresno State College, where he received his master's degree in education. His first job was at Eric White Elementary in Selma, California, as a sixth grade teacher. After teaching for 13 years he went on to become a principal at Washington School in Kingsburg, California. In 1990, he moved on to Roosevelt Junior High, also as a principal. He was devoted to his community, serving on the Selma Unified School Board, the Selma City Council, and most recently as mayor of the city of Selma. Mr. Tow not only had a passion for education but also for sports and especially for baseball. His huge interest in sports drew him to coaching in the Selma Little League. One of his favorite pastimes was family outings to Morro Bay, and Dinkey Creek, and watching his grandchildren at their sporting events. It goes without saying that Mr. Donald Ray ``Don'' Tow was an honorable man with a commitment to family, friends and the community that will forever live in the lives of the people he so graciously touched. His passion for family, education, and his community will be remembered by all who knew him. I am honored and humbled to join his family in celebrating the life of this amazing man who will never be forgotten. ____________________