The Crittenden Automotive Library

In Honor Of Don A. Buckalew And Buckalew Chevrolet

Topics: Buckalew Chevrolet, Don A. Buckalew

In Honor Of Don A. Buckalew And Buckalew Chevrolet

Congressman Kevin Brady
Congressional Record: 114th Congress
Extensions of Remarks
July 22, 2015

SPEECH OF
HON. KEVIN BRADY
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I honor my dear friend, Don A. Buckalew, and the golden anniversary of his ownership of Buckalew Chevrolet. For five decades Don and his family have supported our community and been a huge part of the Montgomery County success story.

Raised by L. A. and Nellie Mae Buckalew in the sawmill community of Magnolia, Don was Valedictorian of Magnolia High School before earning his business degree at Baylor University. After starting his automotive career in Tomball and Humble, he became a partner in the Weisinger Chevrolet Company in Conroe. When W. B. Weisinger sold 50 percent of the company to Don in January of 1965, the name became Weisinger-Buckalew Chevrolet. After Mr. Weisinger's passing, Don bought the remaining 50 percent and the name became Buckalew Chevrolet.

Over the last half century, the name Buckalew has been synonymous with customer service and community. Don has served as chairman of the Board of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association and on the Board of Directors of the Houston Automobile Dealer Association.

This Lion of the Year, Past International Director and Lions International Ambassador of Goodwill is a Lifetime Executive Committee Member and Director for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Lifetime Executive Committee and past Chairman of Montgomery County Fair Association, and has served as Chairman of Greater Conroe Economic Development Council, two-time Chairman and Man of the Year of Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce, President of Conroe Industrial Park, Inc., and Chairman of Montgomery County Hospital District. From being awarded the Time Quality Dealer Award by Time Magazine and National Automobile Dealers Association to receiving the Texas Automobile Dealers Association Legends Award, Don's industry and community accolades prove that with strong business and family principles, everything is possible.

Don Buckalew's unwavering support of youth and education is evident in his service as past President and Board Member of the Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees. In a rare honor, Conroe ISD opened Don A. Buckalew Elementary School in 1998. In keeping with Don's love for all things Baylor, the Bear was named the school mascot and the colors are, not surprisingly, Green and Gold.

Don and his wife Elaine are members of First Baptist Church Conroe. They have 7 children, Debbie, Donnie, Denny, Deann, Kristen, Bryan and Lacey and 13 grandchildren. Five of Don's children, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren have earned Baylor degrees and at least two more grandchildren will soon follow.

An outstanding record of leadership, service, honesty and integrity and love of family are only part of the Don Buckalew legend. My friend's philanthropic heart--his unsung support of those in his community who need it the most--is an example to us all of how to walk in the steps of Our Lord. Please join me in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Buckalew Chevrolet in Conroe and in honoring the man who has set that standard, Don Buckalew.