Pepper Eulogized as Guardian of Elderly

Congressional leaders, clergymen and constituents welcomed Rep. Claude Pepper home for the last time Sunday, eulogizing him as a “guardian of the elderly” who left his mark in the hearts of the common people.

The 88-year-old Democratic congressman, who died Tuesday in Washington, was praised in his downtown church as a shining example of U.S. citizenship, filled with passion and dedication to those who needed his help and influence the most.

“He will never be replaced,” said Rep. Joe Moakley (D-Mass.). Moakley said Pepper “in a very real sense remains with us,” with a long record of accomplishments.

Friends and admirers of Pepper were joined by three busloads of members of Congress and staff, including resigning House Speaker Jim Wright (D-Tex.), his expected successor, Rep. Thomas S. Foley (D-Wash.), Rep. Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.) and Sen. Albert Gore Jr. (D-Tenn.). They were flown to Miami International Airport from Washington in three military planes.

‘Claude Was Here’

Gephardt said Pepper’s story is written in the lawbooks and hearts of America. Wherever the elderly are living in dignity, or wherever sick children are healed, “there is a sign that says: ‘Claude Was Here,’ ” Gephardt said.

Wright, noting Pepper’s efforts for decent housing and adequate medical care, said: “What greater legacy can any man give than that?”

“In an age of cynicism, it’s refreshing to reflect on the life of one who has made such a difference,” said Wright, who resigned his post last week amid charges of ethical misconduct.

“So Claude, old friend, thank you for the sweetness of your friendship and for the inspiration of your example,” Wright said. “Now your race is run and the task is done, your victory won, and from the eternal skies, we know we hear the words: ‘Well done.’ ”

During the 1 1/2-hour service at the Central Baptist Church, Pepper’s body lay in a coffin draped with an American flag and flanked by colorful sprays of flowers. The 2,000-seat church appeared to be about two-thirds full.

Series of Honors

Sunday’s service was the latest in a series of events to mourn and honor Pepper, who lay in state in the Capitol in Washington last week.

The coffin was later flown to Tallahassee for Pepper to lie in state in the Old Capitol Rotunda on Sunday night. A funeral at First Baptist Church and burial at Oaklawn Cemetery in Tallahassee were scheduled for today.

Rabbi Irving Lehrman, calling Pepper “the guardian of the elderly,” said he had “a heart as big as the world . . . a heart that had room for all people, regardless of race, color and creed.”

Combined choirs sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” as Pepper had once requested.

Several hundred people had lined up Saturday at the historic downtown church for a public viewing of Pepper’s open coffin.

Pepper was a New Deal senator for 14 years but was ousted in a 1950 campaign in which he was maligned as “Red Pepper” for his liberalism and alleged softness on communism.

Pepper won election to the U.S. House in 1962 and eventually became the oldest member of Congress, representing an urban district that spanned everything from the exclusive mansions of Miami Beach to a shelter for the homeless, blocks from his church.