H.R. No. 209



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, B. L. DeBerry, a longtime employee of the Texas 
Department of Transportation, is celebrating his 90th birthday on 
May 7, 2004, and it is fitting to honor this noteworthy gentleman 
for his many contributions to the State of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Bogata, Texas, in 1914, Mr. DeBerry attended 
public schools before earning a bachelor's degree in civil 
engineering from The University of Texas in 1937; that same year, he 
joined the former State Department of Highways and Transportation 
as an instrumentman in Sherman; and
	WHEREAS, This dedicated individual was subsequently employed 
in Paris, Clarksville, and Greenville before taking a leave of 
absence to serve his country during World War II; he excelled as a 
member of both the U.S. Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Navy, 
gaining valuable experience for future challenges; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. DeBerry's career with the transportation 
department continued after his military service and included 
engineering positions in Emory, Greenville, San Antonio, and 
Lufkin; in April 1960, he was named district engineer in Dallas, and 
in 1968 he became the assistant state highway engineer; five years 
later, he was appointed as the department's chief administrative 
officer; in 1980, he retired as engineer-director; and
	WHEREAS, His many affiliations include service on the 
executive committee of the National Transportation Board and the 
standing committee on engineering and operation of the American 
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 
(AASHTO); he is also a former president of the Western Association 
of State Highway and Transportation Officials; and
	WHEREAS, A distinguished engineering graduate of The 
University of Texas, Mr. DeBerry has received AASHTO's highest 
award; in addition, his legacy of service with the transportation 
department was commemorated with the establishment of the Luther 
DeBerry Award, which honors individuals who make the greatest 
contributions to transportation in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout his exemplary career, Mr. DeBerry 
demonstrated expert administrative skills and visionary 
leadership; he has served the citizens of the Lone Star State with 
dedication, integrity, and pride, and it is a privilege to 
recognize him at this time; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby honor B. L. DeBerry on the 
occasion of his 90th birthday and commend him for his immeasurable 
contributions to the Texas Department of Transportation; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. DeBerry as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                      McReynolds

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 209 was adopted by the House on May 
17, 2004, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House