H.R. No. 274
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The wedding anniversary of two outstanding Texans
    1-2  who have shared more than 50 happy and rewarding years of marriage
    1-3  is truly a memorable occasion worthy of special recognition; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, Edward F. and Erma Dean Walker had the privilege of
    1-5  commemorating such a momentous event in their lives when they
    1-6  celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on February 25, 1995; and
    1-7        WHEREAS, The Walkers met when Mr. Walker took a brief hiatus
    1-8  from his college studies to help with the harvest at his parents'
    1-9  farm near Gomez; the pair quickly discovered that they wanted to
   1-10  spend the rest of their lives together and, after a three-month
   1-11  courtship, were engaged to be married on December 20, 1938; and
   1-12        WHEREAS, They exchanged their wedding vows two months later
   1-13  at First Baptist Parsonage in Brownfield, and they have enjoyed an
   1-14  enduring relationship that has grown in love and mutual respect
   1-15  with each passing year and that has been blessed with the birth of
   1-16  two cherished children; and
   1-17        WHEREAS, The young couple resided for a brief time in Dallas
   1-18  but later relocated to Houston, and for more than 50 years they
   1-19  have distinguished themselves as upstanding and industrious members
   1-20  of that community; Mr. Walker enjoyed a rewarding 33-year career
   1-21  with Goodyear Tire Company and, not content with a sedentary
   1-22  retirement, he has remained active since then as a part-time
   1-23  employee with State Farm Insurance Company; and
   1-24        WHEREAS, His gracious wife, Dean, has earned a reputation as
    2-1  a devoted wife, a loving parent, and a loyal friend and neighbor
    2-2  who always finds time in her busy day to offer fellowship to
    2-3  others; and
    2-4        WHEREAS, The Walkers further served their community by
    2-5  instilling in their offspring the traditional family values of hard
    2-6  work, achievement, and community involvement, and they have been
    2-7  amply rewarded for their efforts by the successes of each of their
    2-8  children; their son, Representative Gary Walker, has distinguished
    2-9  himself as a member of this chamber, and their daughter, Sylvia
   2-10  Walker Jackson, serves as a positive role model to countless youths
   2-11  in her community as an educator; and
   2-12        WHEREAS, Now surrounded by a loving family that has grown to
   2-13  include four grandchildren, Ray Jackson, Randy Jackson, Lorri
   2-14  Walker Cunningham, and Dare Walker, the Walkers continue to enjoy
   2-15  their favorite pastimes as active members in two senior citizens
   2-16  clubs and as avid gardeners as well; and
   2-17        WHEREAS, Throughout their union, they have shared a deep and
   2-18  abiding spiritual faith and have served their religious community
   2-19  in a number of ways; devout members of their church since 1949,
   2-20  Mr. Walker acted as treasurer for 35 years and Mrs. Walker has
   2-21  served the congregation as a teacher for several years; and
   2-22        WHEREAS, Built on a foundation of mutual love, trust, and
   2-23  support, their life together has been a source of joy and
   2-24  inspiration to all who have come to know them; now, therefore, be
   2-25  it
   2-26        RESOLVED, That the Texas House of Representatives of the 74th
   2-27  Legislature hereby congratulate Edward F. and Erma Dean Walker on
    3-1  the occasion of their 56th wedding anniversary and extend to them
    3-2  warmest best wishes for many years of continued happiness; and, be
    3-3  it further
    3-4        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
    3-5  prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Walker as an expression of high regard by
    3-6  the Texas House of Representatives.