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[Page S3155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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REMEMBERING ED PINEGAR
Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I want to spend a few moments
talking about a man who has been one of my closest friends for a long
time. Springfieldian Ed Pinegar passed away on May 23, 2020, at the age
of 74. He was the kind of person that many people will remember as one
of their best friends.
Ed loved his family, his church, and his community. He grew up in
Willard, attended Missouri State University, and became one of the most
successful auto and truck dealers in the middle of our country. Never
forgetting his rural roots, he eventually established Pinegar Land and
Cattle and became the leading breeder of Limousin Cattle in North
America. As with everything he did, this was an extremely successful
business.
Ed never forgot where he was from. For the last several years, one of
my favorite things was to go to Ed's farm with him early in the morning
to see what his plans were for the farm and catch up on what was
happening with the business and his family and friends. I will miss
those visits, but I am so glad to have shared those times with Ed.
Ed's life of service is too long to list, as are the recognitions he
received along the way. He served on the Missouri State University
board of governors and their board of trustees, was inducted into the
Missouri Limousin Breeders Association Hall of Fame, honored by the
Ozark Empire Fair Ground Gold Buckle Gala for his dedication to youth,
and with his wife Carol received the outstanding Willard Alumni Award.
He recently received the 2019 AFP Outstanding Philanthropist of the
Year Award.
Ed was dedicated to his family, his community, athletics, and his
faith. He was a loyal friend with a great sense of humor and an even
better perspective on life. He was a devoted Christian, active in his
church, and used the blessings of his work to invest in the places and
people he loved. He was generous in his giving and generous in spirit.
The Pinegar Arena is an indoor horse center and classroom that is part
of Missouri State's agricultural center. This is one of many examples
of how Ed gave of his time and resources investing in people and things
to help others.
Much too soon, Ed suffered a stroke, which took a serious toll on his
health and quality of life. Abby and I were encouraged by his early
recovery from those challenges and inspired by his family's dedication
to him as each of them, with Carol in the lead, loved and cared for
him. Much of his legacy will continue to live on through Carol and
their children Angela, Tad, Amy, and Abigail. Ed also leaves behind
nine grandchildren, who were lucky enough to spend time with their
grandfather who, despite his busy schedule, prioritized games, events,
and school performances.
I am grateful to have known Ed Pinegar and thankful for his impact on
my own life and that of those who knew him.
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