By Berlanga H.R. No. 1256 74R14226 KMP-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The members of the Texas House of Representatives 1-2 take special pleasure in paying tribute to the dean of this 1-3 chamber, the Honorable Doyle Willis, for the many outstanding 1-4 contributions he has made to his community, state, and nation over 1-5 the course of an illustrious career in the Texas Legislature that 1-6 has spanned more than four decades; and 1-7 WHEREAS, A native of Kaufman County, Representative Willis 1-8 was born on August 18, 1908, to a distinguished family that was 1-9 well established in Texas by the time of the Revolution of 1831; 1-10 this esteemed gentleman was graduated from The University of Texas 1-11 at Austin and later pursued a successful career as an educator 1-12 before attending law school at Georgetown University in Washington, 1-13 D.C.; and 1-14 WHEREAS, During World War II, Mr. Willis served in the 1-15 Pacific Theater as a member of the United States Army Air Corps, 1-16 earning a Bronze Star and attaining the rank of major as a result 1-17 of the uncommon courage and integrity he displayed as a soldier; 1-18 these qualities also have been evident in his tireless work in 1-19 behalf of Texas veterans, and he has earned the respect of military 1-20 men and women from across the state for his efforts as the former 1-21 Texas commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, as the chairman of 1-22 the House Veterans Caucus, and as a member of numerous veterans 1-23 organizations; and 1-24 WHEREAS, Following his return to civilian life, this 2-1 patriotic American continued to devote his life toward the service 2-2 of others, this time as a member of the Texas House of 2-3 Representatives; since he took his first oath as a state 2-4 representative in 1947, the Honorable Doyle Willis has served the 2-5 constituents of Tarrant County with honor and distinction for more 2-6 than four decades and has entered the record books as the 2-7 longest-serving state representative and the second longest-serving 2-8 state legislator in the history of Texas; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Through the years, this preeminent lawmaker has 2-10 inspired and guided countless young representatives through the 2-11 legislative process, and as dean of the house of representatives he 2-12 has served as both mentor and advisor to members of both houses, to 2-13 legislative staffers, and to many other Texans who have answered 2-14 the call of public service; and 2-15 WHEREAS, Representative Doyle Willis has brought insight, 2-16 wisdom, and experience to this chamber, and his many exceptional 2-17 contributions to Tarrant County and to the entire State of Texas 2-18 are indeed worthy of our recognition at this time; now, therefore, 2-19 be it 2-20 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-21 Legislature hereby commend the Honorable Doyle Willis for his 2-22 exemplary service to the Lone Star State; and, be it further 2-23 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-24 prepared for Representative Willis as an expression of appreciation 2-25 and highest regard by his colleagues in the Texas House of 2-26 Representatives.