SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 112


In Memory

of

Alex Charles Pickens


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens
of Beaumont in mourning the loss of Alex Charles Pickens, who 
died June 3, 2005, at the age of 74; and

	WHEREAS, Born November 22, 1930, in Opelousas, Louisiana, 
Alex married Grace Florence Brown on March 8, 1951, and together 
they raised seven children; Grace preceded him in death after 44 
years of marriage; and

	WHEREAS, Alex served his country in the United States Army, 
where he trained as a cook and discovered he had an exceptional 
gift in the field of culinary arts; he began his career in Houston 
at the White Cottage Restaurant, and in 1960, he moved to Beaumont,
where he served as an executive chef at the Red Carpet Inn and at 
a number of establishments, including the Hilton Hotel and the 
Beaumont Country Club; and

	WHEREAS, Through the years, Alex's reputation grew as he 
rose to the challenge of creating unique recipes and presentations;
he was named Chef of the Year by the Texas Chefs Association in 
1992, and he led the effort to establish the Golden Triangle 
Chapter of the Texas Chefs Association; and

	WHEREAS, Known for his trademark ice sculptures, Alex was 
regarded as the Dean of Chefs by Beaumont culinary professionals, 
and he enjoyed a career that spanned nearly five decades; he also 
volunteered countless hours at local nursing homes and schools 
and shared his knowledge and expertise with young chefs; in 2002, 
he opened Chef Pickens Donuts, which he operated with his daughter
Deborah until the time of his death; and

	WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and kindness, Alex 
gave generously of himself to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and 
valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and

	WHEREAS, Alex Pickens lived his life to the fullest and 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 Alex Charles Pickens:  his 
children, John, Deborah, Alex Bernard, Sarah, Mark, and Kevin;



his daughters-in-law, Gloria Rubic Pickens, Berlinda Pickens, 
and Rhonda Pickens; his son-in-law, Cedric Joseph; and his eight 
grandchildren; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the members of 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 Alex Pickens.
                                                                           Ellis




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on July 18, 2005, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate