H.R. No. 215 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 Otto Lawson for the many significant contributions he has made to 1-3 the Knox City community as a businessman and civic leader; and 1-4 WHEREAS, The youngest of 14 children, Mr. Lawson was born May 1-5 9, 1902, in Bell County, and in his youth he travelled with his 1-6 family by covered wagon through Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas; and 1-7 WHEREAS, He wed the lovely Leota Jones in June 1924, and 1-8 their deeply fulfilling union gave them their cherished son, Ken; 1-9 and 1-10 WHEREAS, Like many members of his generation, Mr. Lawson was 1-11 a patriotic and dutiful man who came to the aid of his country 1-12 during World War II, serving at the United States Air Force base in 1-13 Frederick, Oklahoma; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Driven by many diverse talents and interests, he was 1-15 employed with various enterprises throughout his successful 1-16 business career; a keen entrepreneur as well, he distinguished 1-17 himself as the proprietor of Lawson Cafe before becoming the owner 1-18 and operator of City Hardware, which he wisely and capably managed 1-19 for 41 years; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Mr. Lawson also is well regarded for his exemplary 1-21 career in public life and represented the citizens of Knox City 1-22 with integrity and distinction as a member of the city council; he 1-23 has continued to provide wise and thoughtful insight as a member of 1-24 numerous municipal boards and committees; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Deeply committed to public service, he faithfully 2-2 served the people of his community as a member of the Knox City 2-3 Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years; and 2-4 WHEREAS, A charter member of the Lion's Club, he currently 2-5 maintains an active involvement in that organization at the age of 2-6 92, and in recognition of the many contributions he has made to the 2-7 group throughout the years, he was awarded its highest accolade, 2-8 the Melvin Jones Award; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Mr. Lawson also enjoys the close friendships he has 2-10 made as an esteemed member of the Masons and Shriners 2-11 organizations, and he is a devout member of the First United 2-12 Methodist Church; and 2-13 WHEREAS, A man of great energies and enthusiasm, Mr. Lawson 2-14 has worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Knox City 2-15 community, and his exceptional commitment serves as a source of 2-16 inspiration to all who are privileged to know him; now, therefore, 2-17 be it 2-18 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-19 Legislature hereby commend Otto Lawson for his many outstanding 2-20 contributions to the Knox City community; and, be it further 2-21 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-22 prepared for Mr. Lawson as an expression of high regard by the 2-23 Texas House of Representatives.