R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Elridge Robertson, on March 28, 1999, 1-2 at the age of 72, has brought a great loss to the family and many 1-3 friends of this beloved gentleman; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born on October 18, 1926, in Gilmer, Mr. Robertson 1-5 was a member of the U.S. Army and served his country with 1-6 distinction during World War II; he was retired from Red River Army 1-7 Depot; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Mr. Robertson and his wife, Bertezell, enjoyed a 1-9 strong and happy union based on a foundation of mutual love, 1-10 respect, and trust, and their marriage served as an inspiration to 1-11 their friends and family; the couple's family grew to include 31 1-12 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one 1-13 great-great-grandchild; and 1-14 WHEREAS, His leadership qualities and sense of community led 1-15 Mr. Robertson to found and operate the Texarkana Courier, establish 1-16 the Texarkana Youth Association, and serve as executive vice 1-17 president of the African American Cultural Awareness Society; he 1-18 also ably served as executive vice president of the Texarkana Black 1-19 Chamber of Commerce; and 1-20 WHEREAS, This highly-respected gentleman shared his talents 1-21 with many worthy local, state, and national organizations; he was a 1-22 member of the Texarkana Police Citizen's Advisory Board and the 1-23 Charitable Bingo Division of the Texas Lottery and held a lifetime 1-24 membership with the National Association for the Advancement of 2-1 Colored People; in addition, he faithfully served the congregation 2-2 at Mount Zion Baptist Church and had held the position of president 2-3 of the Noon Lions Club; and 2-4 WHEREAS, Those who were privileged to share the friendship of 2-5 Elridge Robertson will long miss his presence, and he will surely 2-6 be remembered with great affection and admiration for many years to 2-7 come; now, therefore, be it 2-8 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-9 Legislature hereby honor the memory of Elridge Robertson and extend 2-10 sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, 2-11 Bertezell Robertson; to his sons, Larry Elridge Robertson, Reggie 2-12 Robertson, Dwight Robertson, Paul Robertson, Richard Robertson, 2-13 Marcus Robertson, and Michael Robertson; to his daughters, Debra 2-14 Lacy, Theresa Robertson, and Sandra Young; to his stepsons, James 2-15 Hamilton and Jimmy Hamilton; to his stepdaughter, Marie McCant; and 2-16 to the many other friends and relatives of this esteemed gentleman; 2-17 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 Elridge Robertson. Telford _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 724 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 8, 1999. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House