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.