By Gallego H.R. No. 901 74R9948 SAJ-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Tom G. Cross on November 22, 1994, at 1-2 the age of 84, brought a great loss to the many friends and 1-3 relatives of this beloved Texan; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Mr. Cross spent most of his childhood in the 1-5 community of Alpine, graduating from the local high school in 1926 1-6 before continuing his education at Sul Ross State University; and 1-7 WHEREAS, He began his distinguished 41-year career with 1-8 Dallas's Lone Star Gas Company in 1930; he first worked as a 1-9 stenographer, but his dedication, hard work, and attention to 1-10 detail soon earned him a series of promotions, and he rose to the 1-11 positions of corporate secretary and vice president before retiring 1-12 from the company in 1972; and 1-13 WHEREAS, This exceptional gentleman received his law degree 1-14 from Southern Methodist University Law School in 1949, after 1-15 attending evening classes over a period of years so that he could 1-16 support his family with his day job; and 1-17 WHEREAS, A man of boundless energy and enthusiasm, Mr. Cross 1-18 enjoyed an active retirement; he returned to his childhood home of 1-19 Alpine, where he generously gave of his time, talents, and energies 1-20 to the benefit of several worthy organizations, including the 1-21 Friends of the Library, the Cancer Society, and the Museum of the 1-22 Big Bend; and 1-23 WHEREAS, He positively affected a host of issues vital to 1-24 older Texans as a valued member of the Texas Joint State 2-1 Legislative Committee of the American Association of Retired 2-2 Persons; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Mr. Cross received his spiritual strength as a 2-4 member of First United Methodist Church, where he was church 2-5 treasurer and a member of the administrative council; and 2-6 WHEREAS, Throughout his lifetime, this outstanding Texan 2-7 worked tirelessly to serve the needs of his community; though his 2-8 special presence will be missed by all who knew him, his unique 2-9 spirit will surely live on in the hearts and minds of the many 2-10 people whose lives he touched; now, therefore, be it 2-11 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-12 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Tom G. Cross and 2-13 extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his 2-14 beloved wife of 61 years, Lois Dugger Cross; to his daughters, 2-15 Tommie Jean Cross and Mary Ellen Vidar; to his son, John Cross; to 2-16 his five grandsons; to his great-granddaughter; to his nephew, 2-17 Robert Cross; to his three nieces, Janet Cross Thompson, Dorothy 2-18 Cross Cotter, and Mae Cross Tarrant; and to his many other friends 2-19 and relatives; and, be it further 2-20 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-21 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-22 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-23 Tom G. Cross.