By Walker H.R. No. 274 74R6606 SAJ-D 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.