H.R. No. 926R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times and meaningful accomplishments may comfort the family and friends of esteemed civic leader Manly Ward Cooper, Jr., of Kerrville, who died on March 8, 2005; and WHEREAS, Born on May 30, 1923, Mr. Cooper was a resident of Kerrville for 78 of his 81 years; a graduate of Louisiana Tech, he bravely served his country with the United States Marine Corps in both World War II and the Korean War before retiring as a captain; and WHEREAS, Following his return to civilian life, he continued his education at Texas Tech University and entered the retail business when his family purchased The Vogue, a specialty shop for women; he also operated The Vogue Inn Shop and The Vogue at River Oaks; and WHEREAS, This dynamic Texan was devoted to his community and served Kerrville as a city councilman for more than 14 years and as its mayor six times in four decades; during his tenure in office, he was instrumental in improving the city's water and sewage systems, widening streets, rebuilding the Louise Hays Park Dam, developing and building the Municipal Auditorium, and improving parks, among numerous accomplishments; and WHEREAS, He further distinguished himself as chair of the Kerrville-Kerr County Airport board, president of the Kerrville Kiwanis Club, and a board member of Hilltop Village and the Kerr County Industrial Foundation; a faithful congregant of First United Methodist Church, he was also involved with the Riverwalk Study Committee and the Kerrville Jaycees; in addition, this dedicated member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce was honored with the Key Man award, the organization's highest honor; and WHEREAS, Those fortunate enough to have known Manly Cooper will remember his zest for life and his love of family and community; although he will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on in his many contributions to the city of Kerrville as well as in the hearts of his loved ones; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of Manly Ward Cooper, Jr., and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Janie Melton Cooper; to his son, Douglas Michael Cooper; to his grandchildren, Tyler and Erin Cooper; to his stepchildren, Kimberly and Bill Abel, Bill H. Melton and Agi Bariss, George and Glo Melton, Gaynor and Tony Banham, and Allison and James Garner; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Manly Ward Cooper, Jr. Hilderbran ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 926 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 14, 2005. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House