H.R. No. 710
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The family and many friends of the Honorable Elmer
    1-2  Martin suffered a great loss with the passing of this
    1-3  public-spirited Texan on January 22, 1995, at the age of 79; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, Born June 24, 1915, in Scurry County, Mr. Martin was
    1-5  a lifelong resident of Colorado City; he was employed by the local
    1-6  Soil and Water Conservation Service from 1945 to 1958, when he
    1-7  began his distinguished tenure as Mitchell County judge; and
    1-8        WHEREAS, Highly regarded by his friends and neighbors for his
    1-9  honesty and fairness, he was elected to the Texas House of
   1-10  Representatives in 1973, in which capacity he served with
   1-11  distinction until 1979; although he declined to seek reelection to
   1-12  a fourth term in the state legislature, he continued to serve the
   1-13  people of his district as mayor of Colorado City from 1980 to 1987;
   1-14  and
   1-15        WHEREAS, This tireless community activist further devoted
   1-16  himself to the public good by contributing his time, expertise, and
   1-17  leadership skills to numerous civic improvement groups, including
   1-18  the Colorado City Industrial Team, the chamber of commerce, and
   1-19  several agricultural organizations; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, Working with Representative Robert Junell,
   1-21  Mr. Martin was instrumental in passing legislation to allow
   1-22  economic development boards in small counties, thus paving the way
   1-23  for the creation of the Mitchell County Economic Development Board;
   1-24  since then, the county has received a much-needed economic boost by
    2-1  earning selection as the site of a new 1,000-bed prison unit; and
    2-2        WHEREAS, The citizens of Mitchell County commemorated his
    2-3  remarkable record of service by instituting the Elmer J. Martin
    2-4  Award, which recognizes exceptional service in behalf of Colorado
    2-5  City, Mitchell County, and the State of Texas; Mr. Martin was
    2-6  honored as the first recipient of the award that was named in his
    2-7  honor at the annual chamber of commerce banquet in 1993; and
    2-8        WHEREAS, Despite his many civic obligations, Mr. Martin
    2-9  always made time for service projects and social activities with
   2-10  the Colorado City Kiwanis Club; he also was a devout member of
   2-11  First United Methodist Church, and his numerous friends in that
   2-12  congregation will miss his many spiritual contributions to the
   2-13  church; and
   2-14        WHEREAS, A man of integrity, honor, and compassion, Elmer
   2-15  Martin left an indelible mark both on the Mitchell County community
   2-16  and on the lives of all who knew him, and the magnitude of his
   2-17  gifts can never be measured; although his special presence will be
   2-18  missed, the enormity of his contributions to his community, and to
   2-19  the State of Texas, will never be forgotten; now, therefore, be it
   2-20        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
   2-21  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Elmer Martin and
   2-22  extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
   2-23  beloved wife of 47 years, Billie Wyatt Martin; to his eight nieces
   2-24  and nephews; and to all the friends and relatives of this esteemed
   2-25  gentleman; and, be it further
   2-26        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-27  prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
    3-1  House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
    3-2  Elmer Martin.