By Kubiak H.R. No. 741 74R11139 BNL-D 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.