H.R. No. 741
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The many friends and relatives of Ray E. Koch will
    1-2  join him in marking a noteworthy event in his life when they
    1-3  celebrate his 80th birthday on June 6, 1995; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mr. Koch has enjoyed a
    1-5  long and fulfilling career in the service of his country; he
    1-6  enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps on February 11, 1941,
    1-7  and he served with integrity and distinction throughout the
    1-8  uncertain years of World War II; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, During this time, he fell in love with the former
   1-10  Mava Jobe, and the couple married on September 17, 1942; their
   1-11  marriage was blessed with two lovely daughters, Jean Rae and
   1-12  Sherrie Lee; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, Honorably discharged when the war ended in 1945,
   1-14  this patriotic gentleman returned to active duty with the army
   1-15  three years later, serving in the Finance Office; he went on to
   1-16  complete 127 months of foreign service, including three tours of
   1-17  duty in Europe and one in Korea, before retiring with the rank of
   1-18  Warrant Officer IV in 1969; and
   1-19        WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Koch then settled in Albuquerque, New
   1-20  Mexico, where Mr. Koch became active in wildlife conservation
   1-21  activities; after his wife's passing in 1992, he moved to Wixon
   1-22  Valley, Texas, to be nearer to his daughters, grandchildren, and
   1-23  seven great-grandchildren; and
   1-24        WHEREAS, An avid hunter and fisherman, he has joined the
    2-1  ranks of the "Gentleman Rancher" with his cattle-raising operation,
    2-2  and he is currently serving his friends and neighbors in the
    2-3  community as a highly regarded member of the Wixon Valley City
    2-4  Council; and
    2-5        WHEREAS, Mr. Koch's many years of distinguished military
    2-6  service have earned him the thanks and appreciation of his fellow
    2-7  Americans, and his civic leadership as an alderman of Wixon Valley
    2-8  exemplifies his continued commitment to public service; on the
    2-9  occasion of Mr. Koch's 80th birthday, the members of this chamber
   2-10  are proud to have the opportunity to honor this esteemed gentleman
   2-11  for his many years of service to his country and to the State of
   2-12  Texas; now, therefore, be it
   2-13        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
   2-14  Legislature hereby honor Ray Koch on the occasion of his 80th
   2-15  birthday and extend to him warmest best wishes for continued
   2-16  success and happiness; and, be it further
   2-17        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-18  prepared for Mr. Koch as an expression of high regard by the Texas
   2-19  House of Representatives.