By: Black H.R. No. 89
73R2980 LBD-D
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, On February 5, 1933, William Olen Kemp and Ruby Bell
1-2 Yeager were united forever in the sacred bond of marriage; after 60
1-3 years, their life together stands as an eloquent testimony to the
1-4 power of longlasting love in an enduring relationship between
1-5 husband and wife; and
1-6 WHEREAS, The bonds that would eventually form this beautiful
1-7 and lasting relationship began early for these two special
1-8 individuals; born and raised in the Pecan Wells community in
1-9 Hamilton County, Mr. and Mrs. Kemp grew up as childhood friends,
1-10 children of families whose ties of friendship had gone back for
1-11 many years; and
1-12 WHEREAS, Befitting the large but close-knit community to
1-13 which they belonged, the occasion of their marriage was a joyous
1-14 community celebration that included visiting with family and
1-15 friends, attending church in the evening, and experiencing the
1-16 local tradition known as a "shivaree"; and
1-17 WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Kemp have led an exciting life together
1-18 as they have lovingly supported one another in the pursuit of their
1-19 dreams; leaving Pecan Wells for Mount Olive in Mills County in
1-20 1936, this ambitious young couple owned and operated a local
1-21 grocery store for nine years until they relocated to Goldthwaite in
1-22 1945; and
1-23 WHEREAS, In 1944, Mr. Kemp started a bulldozing business that
1-24 brought them to Beeville for two years and to Edinburg during the
2-1 summer of 1951; and
2-2 WHEREAS, Returning to Goldthwaite in 1954, the Kemps began a
2-3 small ranching operation in the area and were actively involved in
2-4 that enterprise until 1987; in 1959 they also became the Gulf Oil
2-5 Distributors for the community, a business endeavor they sustained
2-6 for 15 years; and
2-7 WHEREAS, Because neither was able to attend school beyond the
2-8 eighth grade, Mr. and Mrs. Kemp believed in the importance of
2-9 education and instilled their values in their daughters; with their
2-10 parents' care and support, Merlyne, Ann, and Billie each went on to
2-11 receive a college degree; and
2-12 WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Kemp have always loved traveling and
2-13 have toured extensively throughout the United States, visiting
2-14 nearly every state in the nation, including Alaska and Hawaii;
2-15 though their trips have been scaled down a bit in recent years,
2-16 this fun-loving couple still seeks the pleasure of periodic outings
2-17 close to home; and
2-18 WHEREAS, Among their many activities, Mr. and Mrs. Kemp
2-19 volunteer with senior citizens groups, sing with the Men's Downtown
2-20 Bible Class and at Hillview Manor every week, and maintain an
2-21 active membership at the First Baptist Church of Goldthwaite; and
2-22 WHEREAS, The Kemp family has grown considerably over the
2-23 years; with six grandchildren, Tamra, Dedra, Tracey, Terri,
2-24 Melanie, and Lance, and four great-grandchildren, Joshua, Jeremy,
2-25 Jennifer, and Jessica, the happiness of this kind couple has
2-26 continually increased; and
2-27 WHEREAS, Proving that matrimony can be one of the most
3-1 fulfilling human experiences, the enduring marriage of these two
3-2 dedicated individuals has been a source of joy and inspiration to
3-3 the many friends and relatives of this fortunate pair; now,
3-4 therefore, be it
3-5 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
3-6 Legislature hereby congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Olen Kemp on the
3-7 joyous occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary and extend
3-8 warmest best wishes to this lovely couple for continued happiness
3-9 in the years to come; and, be it further
3-10 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-11 prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Olen Kemp as an expression of highest
3-12 esteem by the Texas House of Representatives.