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H.R. No. 49
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A 70th wedding anniversary is truly cause for a
joyous celebration, and childhood sweethearts Jack Elder, Sr., and
Winter Elder of Kilgore are marking this memorable occasion in
their marriage on July 14, 2003; and
WHEREAS, Married on July 14, 1933, the couple attended East
Texas Baptist College, where Mrs. Elder was chosen Harvest Festival
Queen; following their graduation, the newlyweds returned to
Kilgore to make their first home, and Mr. Elder went to work with
his father in the oil-field industry before embarking on a business
venture with his wife as the owner and operator of a photography
studio; the Elders lived in Dallas during World War II, after which
they moved their growing family back to Kilgore and Mr. Elder became
involved in ranching; and
WHEREAS, Throughout their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Elder have
enjoyed a warm and fulfilling relationship that has been made even
richer with the expansion of their family to include their
children, Susie Dickson Elder Merritt and Dr. Jack Donald Elder,
Jr.; their grandchildren, Kelly Elder Blakley, Ginger Elder Cannon,
Tiffany Merritt Johnston, Tara Merritt Ford, and Kristin Elder; and
their great-grandchildren, Robert and Kirby Blakley, Austin and
Travis Smith, Alexis, Colby, and Jack Johnston, and Merritt,
Savannah, and Luke Ford; and
WHEREAS, The former Winter Dickson has been a dedicated
homemaker throughout her marriage and is cherished for her warmth
and compassion as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; Mr.
Elder has been an amateur weightlifter for much of his life and
resumed that sport at the age of 60 and set a world record by
deadlifting 407 pounds when he was 80 years old; in addition, he has
written The Gory Days and coauthored The Glory Days, books
highlighting the history of Kilgore; and
WHEREAS, Together, this devoted couple have shared the trials
and triumphs of seven decades, and it is indeed a pleasure to join
in honoring them; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Jack Elder,
Sr., and Winter Elder on the memorable occasion of their 70th
wedding anniversary and extend to them sincere best wishes for
continued happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Elder as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.
Merritt
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 49 was adopted by the House on July
10, 2003, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House