R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The recent passing of Edward John "E. J." 1-2 Niedermaier at the age of 102 has greatly saddened the family and 1-3 many friends of this esteemed gentleman; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born to German immigrants in Eudora, Kansas, in July 1-5 1895, Mr. Niedermaier was quite proud to be an American citizen; 1-6 the Niedermaier family later moved from Kansas to a farm in Iowa, 1-7 and in 1918 this noble veteran was drafted to serve in World War I; 1-8 and 1-9 WHEREAS, Mr. Niedermaier returned from his military service 1-10 with the indelible impression of war fresh in his mind, and he soon 1-11 began working fastidiously on behalf of veterans in an effort to 1-12 ensure that the sacrifices and heroism of those who fought to 1-13 protect our nation would not be forgotten; and 1-14 WHEREAS, A member of Audie Murphy Post 1835, this noteworthy 1-15 individual was active in several veterans' organizations, including 1-16 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans 1-17 of World War I, of which he was the last surviving state commander; 1-18 in fact, that group's newsletter recently stated that of the 4.7 1-19 million Americans who served in World War I there are fewer than 1-20 four thousand survivors today; and 1-21 WHEREAS, After moving to Dallas in 1966, he became a regular 1-22 at the annual Memorial Day celebrations and also sought to revive 1-23 public interest in Veterans Day; Mr. Niedermaier worked with 1-24 veterans' organizations that lobbied for the GI Bill and better 2-1 medical care for veterans of World War II; and 2-2 WHEREAS, E. J. Niedermaier was a man of tremendous integrity, 2-3 compassion, and dedication, and though his guidance and devotion 2-4 will be missed by all who knew him, his spirit will surely live on 2-5 in the hearts of the many people whose lives he touched; now, 2-6 therefore, be it 2-7 RESOLVED, That special tribute be paid to the life of Edward 2-8 John "E. J." Niedermaier and that sincere sympathy be extended to 2-9 the members of his family: to his wife, Louise Niedermaier; to his 2-10 daughters, Virginia Murle Perkins and Orpha Mae McClure; to his 2-11 son, Edward John Niedermaier, Jr.; to his 11 grandchildren; and to 2-12 the many other relatives and friends of this beloved man; and, be 2-13 it further 2-14 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-15 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-16 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-17 E. J. Niedermaier. Tillery _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 241 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 9, 1999. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House