By:  Denton                                            H.R. No. 887
       73R11964 LBD-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The passing of Robert G. Drake on August 18, 1992,
    1-2  at the age of 60, has brought a great loss to his family and to the
    1-3  many friends and relatives of this esteemed gentleman; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, Born in Dover, New Hampshire, in 1931, Mr. Drake
    1-5  devoted much of his life to various youth rehabilitative programs;
    1-6  while serving in Korea as a member of the United States Air Force
    1-7  in the 1950s, he gained qualities of leadership that would later
    1-8  serve to guide and direct him throughout his distinguished career
    1-9  in the field of social work; and
   1-10        WHEREAS, After a brief period of employment with Vulcraft
   1-11  Corporation, his professional interests turned toward improving the
   1-12  lives of troubled youth; having received a bachelor of science
   1-13  degree from Central State University in 1961 and a graduate degree
   1-14  in social work from the University of Oklahoma in 1968, Mr. Drake
   1-15  went on to share his wisdom and expertise with countless young
   1-16  people in a number of respected institutions in the Southwest,
   1-17  including Tipton Children's Home, Turley Children's Home, the
   1-18  Oklahoma County Detention Center, and the Girls' Training School of
   1-19  the Oklahoma Department of Institutions in Tecumseh; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, His professional achievements also include an
   1-21  impressive 13-year tenure with the Texas Youth Commission, where he
   1-22  served as state school superintendent, Waco regional director, and
   1-23  director of institutions; and
   1-24        WHEREAS, Building on his many years of professional
    2-1  experience, Mr. Drake founded the Brookhaven Youth Ranch in the
    2-2  community of West in 1986 and successfully operated this
    2-3  outstanding institution as its executive director until his death;
    2-4  and
    2-5        WHEREAS, Robert Drake exemplified the highest standards of
    2-6  excellence, dedication, and commitment to others throughout his
    2-7  long and rewarding career; though his presence is gone from us now,
    2-8  this remarkable gentleman will be remembered for many years to come
    2-9  by all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it
   2-10        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
   2-11  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Robert G. Drake and
   2-12  extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his family:  to his
   2-13  wife, Dorothy; to his two sons; to his three stepchildren; and to
   2-14  the many other friends and relatives of this fine gentleman; and,
   2-15  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 Robert G.
   2-19  Drake.