H.R. No. 789



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The passing of the Honorable Elmer A. Struss, former 
mayor of Eagle Lake, on February 24, 2003, at the age of 80, has 
brought a great loss to the friends and relatives of this esteemed 
gentleman, civic leader, and public servant; and
	WHEREAS, Born on May 21, 1922, in Garwood, Mr. Struss 
graduated third in his class at Eagle Lake High School and attended 
Southwest Texas State University before transferring to The 
University of Texas at Austin, where he attended law school and 
earned his bachelor's degree in 1943; following his studies, Mr. 
Struss answered his nation's call to arms and enlisted in the United 
States Navy, attending Midshipmen's School in Chicago and serving 
aboard the USS Cushing during World War II; and
	WHEREAS, On his return to civilian life in Eagle Lake in 1946, 
Mr. Struss joined the staff of the business owned and operated by 
his family since 1912, A. J. Struss Auto Supply; highly respected 
for his integrity and friendliness, he served as city alderman from 
1968 until 1970 and as mayor from 1970 to 1986, the longest 
consecutive term of any mayor in the city's history; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to his many contributions to his 
community, this distinguished Texan took an active role in 
campaigns at both the state and federal levels, and in 1975 he 
attended Inauguration Day ceremonies at the Texas State Capitol as 
the personal guest of Governor Dolph Briscoe and Lieutenant 
Governor Bill Hobby; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Struss brought intelligence and warmth to every 
facet of his life, whether personal, political, or professional, 
and although his presence is gone from us now, he will be long 
remembered by the many people whose lives he touched during his 
years on this earth; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of the Honorable Elmer A. 
Struss and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family:  to 
his sons and daughters-in-law, John Struss, Darrell and Monique 
Struss, Sidney and Barbara Struss, and Warren and Colleen Struss; 
to his grandchildren, Mark Hogge, Tommy Hogge, Vanessa Struss, 
Stephanie Struss, and Brandon Struss; to his six 
great-grandchildren; 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 the 
Honorable Elmer A. Struss.

                                                                Cook of Colorado


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 789 was unanimously adopted by a 
rising vote of the House on May 10, 2003.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House