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79R10412 BJM-D

By:  Hilderbran                                                   H.R. No. 926



R 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.