SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 44


In Memory

of

Elbert Aldrich


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens
of Temple in mourning the loss of longtime business and civic 
leader Elbert Aldrich, who died May 5, 2005, at the age of 81; and
	WHEREAS, Elbert Aldrich was born in Rosebud on
September 12, 1923, to Murdock Collins and Mamie Mock Aldrich;
he graduated from Rosebud High School and attended Temple Junior 
College; and
	WHEREAS, He was a sixth-generation Texan and direct 
descendant of Adam Lawrence, one of the state's earliest settlers,
and he was widely known for continuing the pioneering spirit of 
his forebearer in his resoluteness, his fortitude, and his tenacity
in pursuing his goals; and
	WHEREAS, He served his country in the United States Navy 
during World War II, completing 95 combat missions and participating
in five major battles; he received numerous commendations 
including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal; and
	WHEREAS, After his return from military service, he joined 
his father as a partner in a Hudson automobile dealership;
Elbert sold his automotive business in 1965 to pursue a career in 
real estate, developing the new town of Harker Heights with his 
father-in-law, and then moved his business to Temple; and
	WHEREAS, Using the front seat of his car as his office, 
Elbert Aldrich at first sold farms and ranches, but soon began to 
specialize in industrial and commercial sites; he helped develop 
the Temple Industrial Park and encouraged restaurant chains and 
motels to locate along the Interstate 35 corridor; and
	WHEREAS, He was influential in persuading Wal-Mart and 
Sam's Club and many other businesses to open in the Temple area, 
including Texas Instruments, Michelin Tire, and Western Auto; 
and
	WHEREAS, Elbert was active in the Texas Association of 
Realtors and the National Association of Realtors; he was named 
Realtor of the Year several times by the Temple-Belton Board
of Realtors, and received the organization's first lifetime 
achievement award in 2004; and
	WHEREAS, He was a member of First Baptist Church of Temple, 
the Sons of the Republic of Texas, Texas First Families, 
Descendants of San Jacinto, and the Karem Shrine; he was also a 
32nd degree Mason and a Scottish Rite Mason; and
	WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather,
and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by 
his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere 
condolences to the bereaved family of Elbert Aldrich:  his wife,


Dorothy Ann Cox Aldrich; his daughters and sons-in-law, Amy
and Lloyd Thomas and Ann and Robert Barkemeyer; and his four 
grandchildren; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the
Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so 
in memory of Elbert Aldrich.
                                                                          Fraser




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on July 6, 2005, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate