By: Chisum H.R. No. 68 73R2660 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The recent passing of Ben Ezzell on January 5, 1993, 1-2 at the age of 76, has brought a great loss to the many friends and 1-3 relatives of this legendary Panhandle journalist; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born in Alvord, Texas, Mr. Ezzell's love of the 1-5 written word led him into the world of print shortly after his 1-6 graduation from West Texas State College; working first at the 1-7 Memphis Democrat and then at the Floydada Hesperian, he took the 1-8 helm as managing editor of the Seminole Daily Producer in 1940; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Answering his country's call to duty in her darkest 1-10 hour, this patriotic individual joined the Air Force in 1941 and 1-11 served with distinction for more than two years as an 1-12 intelligence officer under General Douglas MacArthur in New Guinea, 1-13 the Dutch East Indies, and the Philippines; and 1-14 WHEREAS, After the war, he returned to the Texas Panhandle 1-15 where he resumed his career as a journalist at the Hereford Brand 1-16 and, in 1948, he founded the Canadian Record with his wife, Nancy 1-17 Ezzell, with whom he shared the editing and publishing duties; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Journalistic integrity and editorial forthrightness 1-19 were the hallmark of this distinguished gentleman during his more 1-20 than four decades at the Canadian Record, earning him the respect 1-21 and admiration of his colleagues, who regarded him as one of the 1-22 finest editorial writers in the state; and 1-23 WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Canadian Record garnered 1-24 Mr. and Mrs. Ezzell more than 150 well-deserved awards from the 2-1 Panhandle Press Association, the Texas Press Association, and the 2-2 National Newspaper Association; and 2-3 WHEREAS, In April 1992, Mr. Ezzell's outstanding 2-4 contributions to the field of journalism were acknowledged by his 2-5 induction into the Panhandle Press Association Hall of Fame; and 2-6 WHEREAS, A man of rare integrity and courage, Ben Ezzell will 2-7 long be remembered by all who were privileged to know him; though 2-8 his presence is gone from us now, his unique spirit will continue 2-9 to live in the hearts of the many people whose lives were touched 2-10 by this outstanding individual; now, therefore, be it 2-11 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas 2-12 Legislature hereby honor the memory of Ben Ezzell and extend 2-13 deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Nancy 2-14 Ezzell; to his daughter, Laurie Brown; and to the many other 2-15 friends and relatives of this beloved gentleman; and, be it further 2-16 RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared 2-17 for the members of his family and that when the Texas House of 2-18 Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Ben 2-19 Ezzell.