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H.R. No. 95
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The people of Midland and West Texas lost a civic
leader of ability and dedication with the passing of John Frank
Younger, Sr., on October 1, 2005, at the age of 90; and
WHEREAS, Born in McKinney on November 8, 1914, Mr. Younger
worked his way through Texas A&M University and graduated with a
degree in chemical engineering in 1937; in his first professional
job, he worked as a mud engineer for Baroid Sales Division, National
Lead Company; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Younger joined the United States Army in 1941 as
a chemical warfare officer; he subsequently served for 31 months as
the executive officer of the port of Khorramshahr, in what is now
Iran, supervising the shipment of wartime supplies to the Soviet
Union; by the time he was discharged in 1945, he had earned a Bronze
Star and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel; and
WHEREAS, Following his return to civilian life, Mr. Younger
moved his family to West Texas and joined the Western Company;
within six years he had become vice president in charge of wire line
services and general manager for research; in 1957, he struck out on
his own as an independent oil operator and real estate developer;
and
WHEREAS, While achieving notable success in the business
world, Mr. Younger also worked diligently in behalf of his
community; he was a founding director and chairman of High Sky
Girls' Ranch, a member of the founding board of the Petroleum Basin
Museum, Library, and Hall of Fame, a two-term trustee for the
Midland Independent School District, a president of the Midland
Chamber of Commerce, a vice chairman of the Community Chest, and a
member of the Exchange Club; in addition, he was a board chairman
and longtime fund-raiser for Midland Presbyterian Homes and an
active and honorary member of the Abell-Hanger Foundation Board of
Trustees; and
WHEREAS, An ardent Aggie, he served as a member of the
President's Council at Texas A&M and as president of the Former
Students Association, which established the Century Club under his
leadership; he was also instrumental in the creation of the
university's Institute of Nautical Archeology; and
WHEREAS, Among the many accolades received by Mr. Younger
were the Golden Deeds award from the Exchange Club, the Top Hand
award from the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, the Trustee of
the Year award from both the Texas and National Associations of
Homes for the Aged, and the Distinguished Alumnus award from Texas
A&M; moreover, the Younger Center, which specializes in the care of
patients with Alzheimer's disease, was named in his honor at Manor
Park; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Younger married Charlene Smith on April 10,
1939, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and the couple enjoyed a loving
marriage that spanned more than six decades until her passing;
together with several other families, they formed Memorial
Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, in 1954, and Mr. Younger
served the congregation for many years as an elder; and
WHEREAS, John Younger leaves an extraordinary legacy in the
programs and institutions he helped bring to fruition and in the
countless small miracles he worked, often anonymously, for ordinary
individuals; his life was rich in purpose, accomplishments, family,
and friends, and his memory will be forever cherished by all who
shared in the warmth of his friendship and affection; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay special tribute to the
life of John Frank Younger, Sr., and extend sincere sympathy to the
members of his family: to his sons and daughters-in-law, John F.
Younger, Jr., and his wife, Fredericka "Chica," and Charles M.
Younger and his wife, Frances; to his grandchildren, Galeana Y.
Woodson, Thomas B. Younger, Isabella Allen, Meredith Younger, John
S. Younger, and Katherine A. Younger; to his great-grandchildren,
Allegra Richards and Gray Woodson; to his siblings, Merrill W.
Younger, Cynthia Houchin, and Margaret Bryce; and to his 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 this day, it do so in memory of John Frank
Younger, Sr.
Craddick
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 95 was unanimously adopted by a rising
vote of the House on April 27, 2006.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House