By Jackson H.R. No. 863 74R12674 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 William E. "Bill" Crowder for his significant efforts in behalf of 1-3 seafarers in the Houston-La Porte area; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born December 17, 1911, in Boonville, Indiana, 1-5 Mr. Crowder became a highly successful entrepreneur, founding his 1-6 own business, United Pump Service & Supply, Inc., in 1936 and 1-7 serving as its guiding force for 43 years; and 1-8 WHEREAS, He first became involved with Barbours Cut 1-9 Seafarers' Center, which has as its mission to help visiting 1-10 seafarers meet their basic needs, as a Rotary representative in 1-11 1986, and has served the center with distinction as both treasurer 1-12 and as a board member in the ensuing years; he also contributes to 1-13 the success of many events sponsored by the Barbours Cut Seafarers' 1-14 Center, including the Maritime Festival and Gala; and 1-15 WHEREAS, A member of the Houston International Seafarers' 1-16 Center, he has served as treasurer and a member of the board of 1-17 directors of that worthy organization as well; and 1-18 WHEREAS, The many donations and services provided by 1-19 Mr. Crowder to the Barbours Cut Seafarers' Center include 1-20 furnishing the center with a 14-passenger van and office equipment, 1-21 providing for the landscaping of the facility, and assisting in 1-22 underwriting the center's chapel; and 1-23 WHEREAS, For his exceptional efforts in behalf of the 1-24 Barbours Cut Seafarers' Center and many other vital causes, Mayor 2-1 Norman L. Malone of the city of La Porte designated April 19, 1995, 2-2 as Bill Crowder Day in the community, and Mr. Crowder also earned 2-3 well-deserved recognition for his service when he was declared an 2-4 honorary captain of the Houston Port touring vessel Sam Houston; 2-5 and 2-6 WHEREAS, Mr. Crowder was married to Mildred Taylor, with whom 2-7 he shared more than 40 years of marital harmony before her passing 2-8 in 1983, and for the past decade, he has been blessed to find 2-9 happiness again with his current wife, Helen, who supports him in 2-10 all his endeavors; and 2-11 WHEREAS, Those individuals who give freely of themselves to 2-12 the betterment of others serve as an inspiration to all who know 2-13 them, and Mr. Crowder's many significant contributions in this 2-14 regard are truly worthy of special legislative recognition; now, 2-15 therefore, be it 2-16 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-17 Legislature hereby honor William E. "Bill" Crowder for his many 2-18 notable contributions both to his fellow citizens and to visitors 2-19 from across the seas and extend to him warmest best wishes for 2-20 continued success and happiness in the future; and, be it further 2-21 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-22 prepared for Mr. Crowder as an expression of high regard by the 2-23 Texas House of Representatives.