This website will be unavailable from Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, June 3, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. due to data center maintenance.
78R14519 KMP-D
By: Merritt H.R. No. 1108
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce has selected
John Becker as the 2003 Citizen of the Year, in tribute to his
outstanding service to his community; and
WHEREAS, Born in New Orleans, Mr. Becker was raised in
Louisiana, New York, and Puerto Rico and spent much of his childhood
traveling the seas with his family aboard passenger ships and
freighters; he served with valor during World War II, relinquishing
his ambition to become a military pilot in order to apply his
extensive experience with ships and ship engines as a member of the
emergency rescue boat squadron of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, After receiving his honorable discharge from the
service in 1946, Mr. Becker returned to New Orleans and became chief
engineer for a geological survey ship in the Gulf of Mexico; Humble
Oil Company, now known as the Exxon Mobil Corporation, subsequently
bought the ship and promoted him to captain, a post he would hold
for seven years; a professional of the highest caliber, Mr. Becker
earned the respect and admiration of all those who had the privilege
of working with him throughout his impressive career; and
WHEREAS, In 1965 he exchanged wedding vows with the former
Martha Stroud, a beloved member of the Lindale community, whose
affection for her hometown encouraged her husband to move there
after his retirement in 1981; since his arrival, Mr. Becker has
given generously of his time, expertise, and resources to support
the town's library and many other worthy civic undertakings; today
he holds the office of historian for the Lindale Area Chamber of
Commerce, and his work in behalf of others has made him a treasured
and highly revered member of that Smith County community; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate John Becker on his designation as
the 2003 Lindale Citizen of the Year and extend to him warmest best
wishes for continued success and happiness in his future endeavors;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Becker as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.