R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Frederich L. Gerlach of Abilene on 1-2 March 26, 1999, has brought a great loss to the family and many 1-3 friends of this esteemed gentleman; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born on August 3, 1930, in Livingston, Texas, 1-5 Mr. Gerlach graduated from Abilene High School in 1947; he 1-6 continued his education at The University of Texas and in 1954 he 1-7 graduated with a degree in business; and 1-8 WHEREAS, He served his country with distinction in the Korean 1-9 conflict as a member of the U.S. Army; following his military 1-10 service, Mr. Gerlach returned to Abilene to work with his father in 1-11 the family oil and gas business and later became owner of Gerlach 1-12 Oil Co., Inc.; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Mr. Gerlach married the former Mary Foster on 1-14 September 4, 1954, in Abilene, and they enjoyed a warm and happy 1-15 relationship; the couple were blessed with a son and a daughter, 1-16 and through the years, they welcomed three grandchildren into their 1-17 close-knit family; and 1-18 WHEREAS, This highly respected gentleman took an active role 1-19 in the betterment of his community; he served the congregation of 1-20 the Church of the Heavenly Rest as a member of the finance 1-21 committee and vestry and as a Junior Warden and for many years was 1-22 head of every member canvas; and 1-23 WHEREAS, President Ronald Reagan personally commended 1-24 Mr. Gerlach for his community service to St. John's Episcopal 2-1 School, and he was awarded the Chevron Gold Service Award; he held 2-2 leadership positions with the YMCA, the Development Council for 2-3 Hendrick Home for Children, and United Way; and 2-4 WHEREAS, Mr. Gerlach also contributed his time and resources 2-5 in support of the Abilene Opera Association, Abilene Chamber of 2-6 Commerce, and Abilene Exchange Club; his professional affiliations 2-7 included the West Central Texas Oil and Gas Association, Texas 2-8 Marketers Association, and the Texas Petroleum Marketers and 2-9 Convenience Store Association; and 2-10 WHEREAS, Those who were privileged to share the friendship of 2-11 Mr. Gerlach will long miss his presence, and he will surely be 2-12 remembered with great affection and admiration for many years to 2-13 come; now, therefore, be it 2-14 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-15 Legislature hereby honor the memory of Frederich L. Gerlach and 2-16 extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, 2-17 Mary Gerlach; to his son, Kristofer Gerlach; to his daughter and 2-18 son-in-law, Julianna and Ray Galloway; to his grandchildren, 2-19 Lauren, Connor, and Lindsey Galloway; to his nephew, Dr. Karl 2-20 Gerlach; and to the many other friends and relatives of this fine 2-21 man; and, be it further 2-22 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-23 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-24 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it so do in memory of 2-25 Frederich L. Gerlach. Hunter _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 768 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 11, 1999. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House