R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The recent passing of Darrel Knight on May 19, 1997, 1-2 at the age of 73, has brought a great loss to the family and many 1-3 friends of this noteworthy gentleman; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born in Yocona, Mississippi, Mr. Knight became a 1-5 resident of Abilene in 1946 and was a graduate of Hardin-Simmons 1-6 University; he began his career in public accounting in 1948, and 1-7 three years later he established his own firm; and 1-8 WHEREAS, A former president of the Abilene School Board, 1-9 Mr. Knight served on that body from 1972 to 1981, when the city was 1-10 in a transitional period due to the oil boom; the district was 1-11 growing rapidly during this time, and Mr. Knight kept a constant 1-12 eye on the bottom line as he struggled, and ultimately succeeded, 1-13 in keeping taxpayers' costs down; and 1-14 WHEREAS, The founding director of Abilene National Bank, 1-15 Mr. Knight was a fixture in the Abilene banking community; 1-16 following his tenure on the school board, he served as chairman of 1-17 the board, chief executive officer, and president of Security State 1-18 Bank from 1981 to 1988; and 1-19 WHEREAS, This commendable individual devoted a great deal of 1-20 time to serving the citizens of Abilene; he was president of the 1-21 Abilene Boys Ranch and the Victory Men's Bible Class and chaired 1-22 the Abilene Chamber of Commerce's Legislative Committee and served 1-23 on its Military Affairs Committee; and 1-24 WHEREAS, A lifetime member of the National Parent-Teacher 2-1 Association, Mr. Knight was also a member of the Friends of the 2-2 Abilene Public Library, the Texas Society of CPAs, the American 2-3 Institute of CPAs, and the Abilene Kiwanis Club; in addition, he 2-4 served on the board of directors of the Abilene Committee for 2-5 Autistic Citizens; and 2-6 WHEREAS, Darrel Knight was known for his forthrightness and 2-7 his great dedication to the betterment of his community; although 2-8 his friendship and guidance will be missed by all who knew him, his 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 75th Texas 2-12 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Darrel Knight and 2-13 extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his 2-14 daughters, Suzanne and Dee Ann; to his son, Darrel; to his brother 2-15 and sister-in-law, Harold and Mildred Knight; to his brother, 2-16 Jimmie Knight; and to the many other relatives and friends of this 2-17 esteemed gentleman; and, be it further 2-18 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-19 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-20 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-21 Darrel Knight. Hunter _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1186 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 30, 1997. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House