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78S10444 MDM-D

By:  Merritt                                                      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.