78R2704 MW-D

By:  Talton                                                       H.R. No. 36 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The family and friends of Robert Earl Barfield of 
Pasadena were deeply saddened by the passing of this notable Texan 
on May 26, 2002, at the age of 83; and
	WHEREAS, Born on February 13, 1919, in Brunson, Mr. Barfield 
attended college at Sam Houston State University, where he lettered 
in track, tennis, basketball, and football; graduating in 1940, he 
subsequently earned a master of education degree from the 
University of Houston; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Barfield began his coaching career at Cedar 
Bayou and later held positions in Corrigan, Rosenberg, and Robstown 
before he left to enter the United States military; and
	WHEREAS, After serving his country, Mr. Barfield returned to 
Cedar Bayou for seven years and led his team to five straight 
district football titles; he joined the staff at Baylor University 
in 1954 and was working as backfield coach when the Bears upset a 
previously undefeated Tennessee team in the Sugar Bowl in 1957; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Barfield then settled in Pasadena, where he 
coached the Pasadena High School football team for 15 years; in his 
first year, he took the Eagles to the state finals, beginning a 
tradition of success for which he is known to this day; this revered 
coach concluded his career as assistant athletic director of the 
Pasadena Independent School District (ISD), a position from which 
he retired in 1977; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout his lifetime, Coach Barfield received 
myriad accolades; in 1965 he was chosen to lead the South Football 
All-Stars, and in 1994 he was inducted into the Texas High School 
Coaches Association Hall of Honor; a notable college athlete 
himself, Mr. Barfield was also inducted into the Sam Houston State 
University Hall of Honor and chosen to serve as president of the 
Letterman's Association; and
	WHEREAS, Perhaps his greatest public honor came in 1998, when 
the Pasadena ISD recognized his exemplary standards as an educator, 
coach, and gentleman with the dedication of the Robert E. Barfield 
Sports Complex; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to his professional success, Mr. 
Barfield was a devoted husband, caring father and grandfather, and 
valued citizen in his community; a Rotary Club member for many years 
and a Paul Harris Fellow, he made many worthwhile contributions 
while serving on the club's board of directors; and
	WHEREAS, Admired for his personal integrity, dedication to 
education, and excellence in coaching, Mr. Barfield will be greatly 
missed but fondly remembered, and his spirit will long live on in 
the hearts of the family, friends, and countless former students 
whose lives he so deeply touched; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the memory of Robert Earl Barfield and 
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family:  to his wife 
of 61 years, Emma Marie Brame Barfield; to his sons and 
daughters-in-law, Danny and Diane Barfield and Gary and Sharon 
Barfield; to his grandchildren, Tiffany Barfield, Derek Barfield, 
and Robert Barfield and his wife, Jennifer; to his brothers and 
their wives, Harold and Mattie Mae Barfield, Billy Ray and Jean 
Barfield, Curtis and Cecile Barfield, and Hinson and Andrea 
Barfield; to his brother-in-law, Dr. Jim Bob Brame and his wife, 
Holly; to his numerous nieces and nephews; and to his other 
relatives and many friends; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House 
of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Robert 
Earl Barfield.