H.R. No. 488
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, The tragic death of Tarrant County assistant
1-2 criminal district attorney Chris Marshall on July 1, 1992, has
1-3 brought a profound loss to the many friends and loved ones of this
1-4 admirable gentleman and distinguished public servant; and
1-5 WHEREAS, Caught in the midst of a violent and unpredictable
1-6 situation at the Tarrant County Courthouse on that day,
1-7 Mr. Marshall responded with courage and compassion, and in his
1-8 valiant attempt to save the lives of those around him, he
1-9 sacrificed his own life; with this selfless act, Mr. Marshall
1-10 demonstrated the bravery and strength that many people aspire to,
1-11 but few achieve; and
1-12 WHEREAS, The magnitude of the sacrifice that ended his life
1-13 all too prematurely is in keeping with the character that was
1-14 evident in the academic, professional, and personal achievements of
1-15 this exceptional individual; and
1-16 WHEREAS, A dedicated attorney with a long and distinguished
1-17 career, Mr. Marshall was known for his intelligence and his
1-18 industriousness, and his hard work and determination ensured that
1-19 he would meet the high standards of achievement he set for himself;
1-20 and
1-21 WHEREAS, He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from The
1-22 University of Texas at Austin in 1973; a member of the Phi Beta
1-23 Kappa honor society, he studied in the university's prestigious
1-24 Plan II Honors Program, and despite the rigorous academic demands
2-1 of this program, he graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade point
2-2 average, tied for the highest rank in his graduating class; and
2-3 WHEREAS, This scholarly individual continued his education at
2-4 The University of Texas School of Law, where he was a member of
2-5 such eminent organizations as the Order of the Coif and the
2-6 Chancellors; he was ranked third in his class when he received his
2-7 doctor of jurisprudence degree in 1977, and he graduated with high
2-8 honors as a University of Texas Presidential Scholar; and
2-9 WHEREAS, Mr. Marshall began his career with the Tarrant
2-10 County Criminal District Attorney's Office in 1979, and his
2-11 superior abilities quickly earned him a promotion to chief of the
2-12 appellate section of that office; in this position, he was highly
2-13 regarded by his colleagues and peers as one of the leading
2-14 authorities on criminal appellate practice, and he earned the trust
2-15 and respect of the judiciary with whom he served; and
2-16 WHEREAS, A fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and former
2-17 chairman of the Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas,
2-18 Mr. Marshall actively participated in these and other professional
2-19 organizations; he generously contributed his time to the State Bar
2-20 of Texas as a member of several committees, and he was a respected
2-21 author of numerous articles and manuals dealing with criminal law
2-22 and the appellate process; and
2-23 WHEREAS, Although his outstanding abilities took him before
2-24 the United States Supreme Court, where he proved to be a forceful
2-25 and effective advocate, perhaps his greatest recognition came from
2-26 those with whom he worked; in describing him as a man of integrity,
2-27 honor, and dedication to justice, they bestowed upon him one of the
3-1 greatest tributes any person can receive, the respect and
3-2 admiration of one's peers; and
3-3 WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Mr. Marshall treasured the
3-4 love and support of his family; a devoted husband and father, he
3-5 enjoyed a warm and caring relationship with his wife, Betty, and
3-6 took great pride in the accomplishments of their children, Kristin,
3-7 David, and Sarah; and
3-8 WHEREAS, Chris Marshall was one of those few individuals who
3-9 truly deserves to be called a hero; his example reminds us that the
3-10 very best elements of human nature can emerge in the midst of the
3-11 chaos and violence that threaten our society, and his legacy will
3-12 continue to inspire all who were privileged to know him; now,
3-13 therefore, be it
3-14 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
3-15 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Chris Marshall and
3-16 extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife,
3-17 Betty Marshall; to his daughter, Kristin Marshall Cartwright; to
3-18 his stepson, David Stanton; to his stepdaughter, Sarah Stanton; to
3-19 his parents, Clyde and Dorothy Marshall; to his sister, Kathy
3-20 Marshall; to his brother, Tim Marshall; and to all the many friends
3-21 and relatives of this fine man; and, be it further
3-22 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-23 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
3-24 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
3-25 Chris Marshall.
3-26 Carter
3-27 Mowery
4-1 Park
4-2 Thompson of Tarrant
4-3 Dear
4-4 Park
4-5 Thompson of Tarrant
4-6 Dear