By Clark H.R. No. 540 75R10008 SAJ-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The wedding anniversary of two outstanding Texans 1-2 who have shared 50 happy and rewarding years of marriage is truly a 1-3 memorable occasion worthy of special recognition; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Gene and Betty Jo Cantrell of Sherman commemorated 1-5 such a momentous event in their lives when they celebrated their 1-6 golden wedding anniversary on March 8, 1997, with a festive dinner 1-7 hosted by their children; and 1-8 WHEREAS, United in matrimony in Hackleburg, Alabama, the 1-9 Cantrells have nurtured an enduring relationship that has grown in 1-10 love and mutual respect with each passing year and that has been 1-11 blessed with four children, Patricia, Thomas, Nancy, and Jimmy; and 1-12 WHEREAS, Throughout their life together, the couple have been 1-13 industrious and valued members of their community; Mr. Cantrell 1-14 enjoyed a lengthy and successful career in cotton manufacturing and 1-15 recently retired as president of a cotton-related company after 45 1-16 years of service in the industry; and 1-17 WHEREAS, His lovely and gracious wife devoted herself to 1-18 providing a warm and secure home for their family, and after her 1-19 children were grown, she pursued her career interests by working 1-20 with area nursing homes; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Now deservedly enjoying the many benefits of a full 1-22 life together, the Cantrells find they have more opportunities to 1-23 partake in their favorite pastimes, and they treasure the time they 1-24 spend with their family, which has grown to include their 2-1 children's spouses, David, Carolyn, and Charles, and 10 cherished 2-2 grandchildren; and 2-3 WHEREAS, The couple also share an abiding faith as devout 2-4 members of the First United Methodist Church of Sherman, where 2-5 Mr. Cantrell has been involved in church activities for many years 2-6 and has further served the denomination through his involvement 2-7 with the North Texas Methodist Annual Conference; and 2-8 WHEREAS, For a half-century, Gene and Betty Jo Cantrell have 2-9 shared a warm and affectionate union filled with many happy times 2-10 and cherished family memories; built on a solid foundation of trust 2-11 and support, their life together has been a source of joy and 2-12 inspiration to their many friends and family; now, therefore, be it 2-13 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-14 Legislature hereby congratulate Gene and Betty Jo Cantrell on the 2-15 occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary and extend to them 2-16 warmest best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further 2-17 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-18 prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell as an expression of high regard 2-19 by the Texas House of Representatives.