H.R. No. 224R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Drs. Elton and Lorene Archer of Longview marked a special milestone in their life together when they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 24, 2003; and WHEREAS, While training for military service in World War II, Elton married Lorene on July 24, 1943, in Fort Benning, Georgia; three months later, Mr. Archer shipped out for the China-Burma-India theater, where as a member of the Overseas Secret Service he parachuted into Burma behind enemy lines to lead a guerilla company of Kachin Rangers; and WHEREAS, After being separated by the war for two years, the couple were reunited and began their married life anew; over the years, their special union has been blessed by three children, Jane Archer Feinstein, Elton W. Archer, Jr., and Glenn Dawson Archer; and WHEREAS, In addition to raising a family, the Archers embarked on successful careers after both received doctor of philosophy degrees from Texas A&M University at Commerce; Mrs. Archer taught elementary and middle school in the Longview and Tyler independent school districts; also employed as an elementary consultant for the Longview school system, she chaired the department of education at East Texas Baptist University, which nominated her for the prestigious Piper Professor Award; and WHEREAS, Mr. Archer became a professor of engineering graphics at LeTourneau University and served as vice president for academic affairs; chosen to be the acting president during the illness of LeTourneau's chief executive, Mr. Archer ably led the university through its completion of the Southern Association of Colleges four-year college accreditation process, and he made the school a forerunner in higher education's trend toward making computer literacy instruction a requisite part of the curriculum; and WHEREAS, Valued members of their community, Mr. and Mrs. Archer have attended the First Baptist Church of Longview for more than 50 years and have served as Sunday school teachers for more than 40 years; Mr. Archer has also been Sunday school department director and is a deacon; and WHEREAS, For six decades, this devoted couple have shared an enduring union filled with many happy times and cherished family memories, and it is indeed a privilege to honor them at this time for all they have accomplished in their life together; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate Drs. Elton and Lorene Archer on their 60th wedding anniversary and extend to them best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Archers as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Merritt ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 224 was adopted by the House on October 10, 2003, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House