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78R15499 MW-D

By:  Hopson                                                       H.R. No. 1212



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Lone Star State lost a distinguished citizen and 
civic leader with the passing of former State Representative Emmett 
H. Whitehead of Rusk on August 13, 2002, at the age of 76; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Cisco on October 9, 1925, Mr. Whitehead led a 
life filled with numerous professional, civic, and personal 
achievements; by the age of 24, he owned the local newspaper, the 
Rusk Cherokeean, and 50 years later he was honored by the Texas 
Press Association for his continued service in the publishing 
industry; he also established radio stations KTLU/KWRW, purchased 
the E-Z Vision Cable Co. and the Alto Herald, and operated a farm 
raising Hereford cattle; and
	WHEREAS, A World War II veteran, Mr. Whitehead took his civic 
responsibilities seriously; he served as president of the Rusk 
Chamber of Commerce and worked tirelessly in behalf of area 
citizens for 14 years as mayor of Rusk and for four years as county 
judge; his years of service immensely benefited the Rusk State 
Hospital and helped to secure the Texas Department of Criminal 
Justice facilities in Rusk as well as the recent construction of a 
$4 million East Texas Regional Health Care System facility north of 
Rusk; and
	WHEREAS, From 1973-1981, Mr. Whitehead served with 
distinction in the Texas House of Representatives; his work during 
his tenure contributed immeasurably to the creation of the Texas 
State Railroad State Historical Park and the establishment of the 
Rusk State Park; and
	WHEREAS, Although the presence of this esteemed Texan is 
greatly missed, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those 
individuals who were fortunate enough to have known him, and the 
worthwhile contributions he made during his lifetime will be of 
lasting benefit to the Rusk community for many years to come; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of the Honorable 
Emmett H. Whitehead and extend sincere sympathy to the members of 
his family:  to his wife, Marie; to his daughter, Dr. Wendee 
Whitehead; to his daughter and son-in-law, Terrie and Robert 
Gonzalez; to his three grandchildren, Chris, Sandy, and Lauren 
Gonzalez; to his sisters-in-law, Bonnye Ivy and Shirley Roberts and 
husband, Dave; and to his many other relatives and friends; 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 adjourns on this day, it do so in memory of the 
Honorable Emmett H. Whitehead.