By: Sims S.R. No. 311
1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION
1-2 In Memory
1-3 of
1-4 Otto E. Scherz
1-5 WHEREAS, The death of Otto E. Scherz on February 14, 1993,
1-6 represented a deep personal loss to his loved ones and his many
1-7 friends throughout the State of Texas; and
1-8 WHEREAS, Born in Tom Green County to Phillip Scherz and
1-9 Norma Sonnenburg Scherz on July 15, 1921, Otto Scherz graduated
1-10 from San Angelo High School and received his bachelor's degree from
1-11 Texas A&M University in 1942; and
1-12 WHEREAS, While he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma,
1-13 Otto Scherz married Gwendolyn Brown on June 2, 1943; and
1-14 WHEREAS, Sent overseas in March, 1944, Otto Scherz
1-15 participated in all five major battles of the European Theatre of
1-16 Operation; and
1-17 WHEREAS, After World War II was over, General Scherz and
1-18 his wife returned to Texas A&M University where he pursued an
1-19 advanced degree in landscape architecture before they joined the
1-20 family business, Scherz Nursery; and
1-21 WHEREAS, A well-known and respected member of his community,
1-22 General Scherz was involved in the Downtown Lion's Club and served
1-23 as president in 1958 and deputy district governor in 1959; he served
2-1 on the Board of Stewards of the First United Methodist Church and on
2-2 the Board of Directors of the San Angelo Symphony, the Community
2-3 Theater, and the Miss Wool of America Pageant; and
2-4 WHEREAS, Highly esteemed by his peers, General Scherz was a
2-5 member of the Texas Landscape Architects and served as president
2-6 from 1959 through 1961; he was a member of the first State Licensing
2-7 Board for Landscape Architects as well as chairman from 1972 to 1973;
2-8 and
2-9 WHEREAS, A true patriot, General Scherz was called to active
2-10 duty during the Berlin Crisis in 1961; when his unit was deactivated,
2-11 General Scherz stayed in the service to finish the United States
2-12 Army Command and General Staff College; he represented the Fifth
2-13 Army on the Pentagon Advisory Committee from 1964 through 1966; and
2-14 WHEREAS, A well-decorated combat veteran, General Scherz
2-15 earned several awards including the Bronze Star and the Legion of
2-16 Honor; he retired from the military with the rank of Major General
2-17 in 1978; and
2-18 WHEREAS, This fine military man was selected for the
2-19 National Guard Hall of Honor in 1987; his was a life dedicated to
2-20 the honor of his nation; and
2-21 WHEREAS, After retiring from the United States Army,
2-22 General Scherz became involved in the activities of Fort Concho
2-23 and held the office of president of the board; he will be greatly
2-24 missed; and
2-25 WHEREAS, The death of this fine gentleman and soldier was
3-1 felt by all those who benefitted from his generosity and exemplary
3-2 conduct; now, therefore, be it
3-3 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
3-4 73rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the members
3-5 of his family: his wife, Gwendolyn Brown Scherz; his daughters,
3-6 Ann Madison and Cynthia Burns; his sister, Lola Mae Banta; his
3-7 brother, Harold Scherz; and his four grandchildren; and, be it
3-8 further
3-9 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
3-10 the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from
3-11 the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do
3-12 so in memory of Otto E. Scherz.
3-13 _____________________________________
3-14 President of the Senate
3-15 I hereby certify that the
3-16 above Resolution was adopted by
3-17 the Senate on February 24, 1993,
3-18 by a rising vote.
3-19 _____________________________________
3-20 Secretary of the Senate
3-21 _____________________________________
3-22 Member, Texas Senate