By Wilson                                             H.R. No. 1013

         75R15486 JTR-D                           

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, On May 24, 1997, the family and friends of Howard

 1-2     Bailey Coward will gather to celebrate this notable Texan's 80th

 1-3     birthday, and this happy occasion is truly worthy of special

 1-4     recognition; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, Born May 29, 1917, in Lamar County, Mr. Coward is a

 1-6     veteran of World War II, and he served his country with distinction

 1-7     as a Transportation Sergeant with the 397th Corps of Engineers as

 1-8     part of the first United States detachment to the European theater

 1-9     in 1942; and

1-10           WHEREAS, After returning to the United States, Mr. Coward was

1-11     employed by Kenosha Auto Transport, and during his 27 years with

1-12     that firm he established himself as an outstanding driver,

1-13     receiving the Million Miler Award for his exemplary safety record;

1-14     and

1-15           WHEREAS, In 1956, he married the former Tommie Rita Pilgrim,

1-16     and the couple take great pride in their loving and close-knit

1-17     family, including their daughters and son-in-law, Rita and Don

1-18     Capeheart and Cynthia Coward; their grandchildren and

1-19     grandson-in-law, LaQuita and Terry Bristow and Shawn Capeheart; and

1-20     their great-granddaughters, Lene Bristow and Shea Bristow; and

1-21           WHEREAS, Over the years, Mr. Coward has drawn great strength

1-22     and sustenance from his fellow worshipers at the Church of Christ,

1-23     and his presence in the congregation is a welcome one; and

1-24           WHEREAS, An avid sportsman, Mr. Coward is known both for his

 2-1     abilities as an angler and for his outstanding bird dogs, and given

 2-2     his love of the outdoors it is fitting that his birthday will be

 2-3     celebrated with a festive picnic; and

 2-4           WHEREAS, Howard Bailey Coward is a valued member of his

 2-5     community and a devoted family man, and we join his family and

 2-6     friends in paying him tribute; now, therefore, be it

 2-7           RESOLVED, That the Texas House of Representatives of the 75th

 2-8     Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Howard Bailey Coward on the

 2-9     occasion of his 80th birthday and extend to him sincere best wishes

2-10     for continued success and happiness in the future; and, be it

2-11     further

2-12           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-13     prepared for Mr. Coward as an expression of high regard by the

2-14     Texas House of Representatives.