79S30239 MMS-D

By:  Craddick                                                     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.