By Kubiak H.C.R. No. 149
74R9020 SAJ-D
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature is proud to commend Don
1-2 Strickland for the many significant contributions he has made to
1-3 the citizens of Somerville and congratulate him on his most recent
1-4 honor as the Somerville Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year;
1-5 and
1-6 WHEREAS, Mr. Strickland earned undergraduate and master's
1-7 degrees from Sam Houston State University and began his
1-8 distinguished career as a teacher in Somerville in 1948; well
1-9 regarded for his professionalism, hard work, and dedication, he
1-10 went on to become a high school principal, and he was a positive
1-11 role model to countless youth during 16 years of service as both an
1-12 educator and administrator; and
1-13 WHEREAS, He continued to positively affect education issues
1-14 as president of the Liberty Independent School District Board of
1-15 Trustees for 12 years, distinguishing himself as one of the few
1-16 high school principals to return to the field of education in that
1-17 capacity; and
1-18 WHEREAS, A man of many diverse talents and interests, he also
1-19 is well known for his successful ventures in banking, real estate,
1-20 ranching, and small business, and he continues to maintain a
1-21 third-generation partnership with his brother in Strickland Funeral
1-22 Home in Somerville; and
1-23 WHEREAS, Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Strickland has
1-24 demonstrated an abiding commitment to public service, and he has
2-1 served his fellow citizens with integrity and distinction as mayor
2-2 of Somerville, as chair of the City of Liberty Planning and Zoning
2-3 Committee and the Liberty County Central Appraisal District, and as
2-4 a member of the Port of Liberty Board; and
2-5 WHEREAS, A man of boundless energy and enthusiasm, he also
2-6 has worked toward the betterment of the community through his
2-7 exemplary service to the Liberty Chamber of Commerce, the Liberty
2-8 County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Three Rivers Council
2-9 Boy Scouts of America, and the Liberty County March of Dimes; and
2-10 WHEREAS, Moreover, Mr. Strickland has been active with the
2-11 Rotary Club for more than 40 years and has admirably served the
2-12 organization in leadership capacities at all levels, including club
2-13 president, district governor, and director and vice president of
2-14 Rotary International, and he has achieved a perfect attendance
2-15 record since 1952; and
2-16 WHEREAS, A deeply religious man, he has been a devout member
2-17 of First United Methodist Church in Liberty and has served his
2-18 church in a variety of capacities; an active member of the church
2-19 board, he has capably served as a delegate to the denomination's
2-20 general and jurisdictional conferences since 1968 and is the only
2-21 Texan who is a member of the General Body of the United Methodist
2-22 Church Board of Stewards; and
2-23 WHEREAS, Throughout his many endeavors, he has enjoyed the
2-24 love and support of his gracious wife, Jo Denham Strickland, to
2-25 whom he has been married since 1949; and
2-26 WHEREAS, Mr. Strickland is a man of great vision who has
2-27 worked tirelessly for the betterment of every community in which he
3-1 has lived, and he is truly worthy of special recognition on the
3-2 occasion of his most recent honor; now, therefore, be it
3-3 RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas
3-4 hereby commend Don Strickland for the many significant
3-5 contributions he has made to his fellow citizens and congratulate
3-6 him on his most recent honor as the Somerville Chamber of
3-7 Commerce's Citizen of the Year; and, be it further
3-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-9 prepared for Mr. Strickland as an expression of high regard by the
3-10 Legislature of the State of Texas.