78R11911 KMP-D

By:  Cook of Colorado                                             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.