By Uher H.R. No. 216 76R6130 BE-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of former State Representative Vernon 1-2 Beckham on February 21, 1998, at the age of 86, has brought a great 1-3 loss to the family and many friends of this able Texas statesman; 1-4 and 1-5 WHEREAS, Mr. Beckham was born on October 22, 1911, near 1-6 Ardmore, Oklahoma, and grew up in Denison; a proud patriot, he 1-7 served with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War II; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Upon returning home after the war, Mr. Beckham 1-9 attended Southern Methodist University and completed a program in 1-10 insurance management and underwriting; for many years he was 1-11 affiliated with the Bruno-Beckham Insurance Agency in Denison, 1-12 which he later owned; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Mr. Beckham represented Grayson County in the Texas 1-14 House of Representatives between 1963 and 1972 and is especially 1-15 remembered for his dedicated efforts in behalf of Grayson County 1-16 Junior College and the establishment of the Eisenhower Birthplace 1-17 State Historical Park in Denison; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Though his warmth and gentle counsel will be deeply 1-19 missed, surely his spirit lives on in the hearts and memories of 1-20 the many people whose lives he touched, and it is indeed fitting to 1-21 honor his memory at this time; now, therefore, be it 1-22 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th 1-23 Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay tribute to the life of 1-24 Vernon Beckham and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his 2-1 family: to his daughter, Marie Louise, and her husband, Jack Tiner; 2-2 to his grandson, Dale Dingley, Jr.; to his two great-grandchildren; 2-3 and to the many other relatives and friends of this esteemed 2-4 gentleman; and, be it further 2-5 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-6 prepared for the members of his family and that when the House of 2-7 Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of the 2-8 Honorable Vernon Beckham.