H.R. No. 299 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 50 happy and rewarding years of marriage is truly a 1-3 memorable occasion worthy of special recognition; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Jodie and Ardath Corbett Colvard will have the 1-5 privilege of commemorating such a momentous event in their lives 1-6 when they celebrate their golden wedding anniversary on March 4, 1-7 1995, with a reception at the Fort Worth Elks Lodge No. 124; and 1-8 WHEREAS, United in matrimony at Travis Park Methodist Church 1-9 in San Antonio in 1945, the couple has enjoyed an enduring 1-10 relationship that has grown with love and respect with each passing 1-11 year and that has been blessed with the birth of three cherished 1-12 children; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Mr. Colvard is a courageous and patriotic man who 1-14 distinguished himself through 29 years of outstanding service as a 1-15 member of the United States Army before retiring in 1965 as a 1-16 master sergeant; a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, 1-17 he was decorated with numerous medals for his brave and meritorious 1-18 service, earning the Combat Infantry Badge and the Commendation 1-19 Ribbon among others; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Throughout Mr. Colvard's distinguished career in the 1-21 army, Mrs. Colvard also served her country by artfully managing the 1-22 many unique and difficult responsibilities of a military spouse; 1-23 the Colvard family lived in Europe and moved frequently as 1-24 Mr. Colvard's assignments took him to Germany, Switzerland, and 2-1 other foreign locales, but wherever they went, Mrs. Colvard 2-2 maintained a stable and loving home environment for her family 2-3 while accepting the many trials and tribulations of military life 2-4 overseas; and 2-5 WHEREAS, Continuing his active association with the military, 2-6 Mr. Colvard enjoys the close personal and institutional ties he has 2-7 formed as a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, the 2-8 American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars; he also has gone 2-9 on to represent his friends' concerns as an esteemed member of 2-10 Congressman Pete Geren's Veterans Advisory Board and as a charter 2-11 member of the Tarrant County Veterans Council; and 2-12 WHEREAS, In addition to his military service, Mr. Colvard is 2-13 well regarded for 26 years of active involvement in state and local 2-14 political circles and has served the residents of Westworth Village 2-15 as a member of the city council and as mayor; and 2-16 WHEREAS, His gracious and charming wife, Ardath, also is well 2-17 regarded throughout the community as a devoted wife, a loving 2-18 parent, and a loyal friend and neighbor who always makes time in 2-19 her busy day to offer fellowship to others; and 2-20 WHEREAS, Her unconditional love, nurturing, and support have 2-21 guided her family throughout life's endeavors and have been a 2-22 source of continuing inspiration for the many people who are 2-23 privileged to know her; and 2-24 WHEREAS, Now surrounded by a loving family that has grown to 2-25 include six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, the 2-26 Colvards are deservedly reaping the many benefits of a full and 2-27 rewarding life together and continue to enjoy their favorite 3-1 leisure time pursuits; Mr. Colvard is a 32nd degree Mason and a 3-2 member of the Elks Lodge No. 124, and he and his wife have greatly 3-3 enjoyed the many friendships and activities they have found through 3-4 these fine organizations; and 3-5 WHEREAS, Built on a foundation of mutual love, trust, and 3-6 support, their life together has been a source of joy and 3-7 inspiration to all who have come to know them; now, therefore, be 3-8 it 3-9 RESOLVED, That the Texas House of Representatives of the 74th 3-10 Legislature hereby congratulate Jodie and Ardath Corbett Colvard on 3-11 the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary and extend to them 3-12 warmest best wishes for their continued happiness; and, be it 3-13 further 3-14 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-15 prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Colvard as an expression of high regard 3-16 by the Texas House of Representatives.