79R6488 JNC-D

By:  Dutton                                                       H.R. No. 442



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the heartache felt 
at the loss of Dexter S. Kimble of Houston, who died in Iraq on 
January 26, 2005, at the age of 30; and
	WHEREAS, Assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Staff 
Sergeant Kimble was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq when he 
was killed in a helicopter crash near Ar Rutbah; his outstanding 
service in behalf of his country earned this courageous soldier a 
host of accolades, including the Air Medal; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Houston on October 27, 1974, Staff Sergeant 
Kimble joined the U.S. Marines at the age of 17 after graduating 
from M. B. Smiley High School; while stationed at Camp Pendleton, he 
met Dawanna Jenkins, whom he married on February 2, 1997; a devoted 
father, he cherished each moment that he spent with his children; 
and
	WHEREAS, Our state and our nation are fortunate to have young 
men and women whose love for their country inspires them to military 
service, yet the tragic death of this exemplary young man is a 
sobering reminder of the cost of war; Americans owe a profound debt 
to our nation's servicemen and servicewomen, whose valiant efforts 
and enormous sacrifices are deserving of their fellow citizens' 
deepest respect and gratitude; and
	WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Dexter Kimble is remembered by all 
who knew him for the greatness and generosity of his spirit; 
although he will be dearly missed, his love for his family and 
patriotism will not soon be forgotten; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the life of U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant 
Dexter S. Kimble and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his 
family: to his wife, Dawanna Kimble; to his children, Estevan 
LaVondre, Raiya Erika-Andrea, Brennadonte Chazz, and Shakara 
Charlize Cherri Kimble and Shon Hughey; to his father, Willie 
Kimble; to his mother, Judy Kimble; to his brother, Sherwin Tongee; 
to his sisters, Erika and Andrea Kimble and Wendy Tongee; to his 
grandmother, Berniece Noel; to his nephew, Edward Joseph Tongee; 
and to his many other friends and relatives; 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 Staff 
Sergeant Dexter S. Kimble.