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78R14227 MDM-D

By:  Homer                                                      H.C.R. No. 8  



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The passing of the Honorable Leighton Marion Cornett 
of Paris, Texas, on January 1, 2003, at the age of 86, has deeply 
saddened the family and many friends of this esteemed Texas native; 
and
	WHEREAS, Born on November 1, 1916, in the Mabry community 
near Clarksville, he was valedictorian of the Clarksville High 
School Class of 1933; he enrolled at Paris Junior College, where he 
served as a student assistant for the government and history 
professor, and graduated from The University of Texas School of 
Law; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Cornett answered his country's call to arms 
during World War II, attaining the rank of captain in the United 
States Army; and
	WHEREAS, A devoted family man, he was married, until their 
passing, to the former Ruth Moore for over 50 years and to the 
former Crystal Milford Polk for 7 years; he took great pride in his 
two children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; 
and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Cornett served in the Texas Legislature, where 
he was the youngest member at the time, and also held the posts of 
county attorney and district attorney for Lamar County and first 
assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Texas; over the 
course of his distinguished legal career he was a partner in several 
firms, including Cornett, Echols & Biard; and
	WHEREAS, In addition, Mr. Cornett gave generously of his time 
and energy to his community, to veterans organizations, and to 
professional associations; he chaired the Paris Junior College 
Board of Regents and held leadership positions in the Paris 
Founders Lions Club, Lions 2X2, American Legion, Lamar County Bar 
Association, and Northeast Texas Bar Association; he was also a 
valued member of the Paris Jaycees, Lamar County Democrats, 
Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars; and
	WHEREAS, During his leisure time, he enjoyed quail hunting, 
fishing, and raising registered quarter horses, and he was a past 
president and life member of the Paris Rodeo and Horse Club; and
	WHEREAS, Those who were privileged to know Mr. Cornett will 
long remember his devotion to his family, his profession, and the 
Lone Star State, and the memory of his gentle spirit will long warm 
the hearts of his many admirers; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby pay tribute to the life of the Honorable Leighton Marion 
Cornett and extend sincere sympathy to his children, Debra Usry and 
her husband, Lloyd, and Guy Cornett and his wife, Diane; to his  
grandchildren, Sherry and Stephen Cornett, Jillian Benedict, and 
Charlie Usry and his wife, Barbara; to his great-grandchildren, 
Carle and Taylor Usry, Lucas and Shawna Simpson, and Ashton 
Benedict; to his brother, James Cornett, and his wife, Frances; and 
to all those who mourn the passing of this beloved man; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of 
Leighton Marion Cornett.