By Junell H.R. No. 710 74R11294 BNL-D 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.