By Counts                                              H.R. No. 215
       74R5804 SAJ-D
                                  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.