H.R. No. 1658



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The passing of Joe Clifford Epps of Houston on April 
23, 2005, at the age of 90, has brought a profoundly felt loss to the 
family and friends of this beloved Texan; and
	WHEREAS, Born to Joe Monroe Epps and Lonnie Riley Epps on 
February 12, 1915, Mr. Epps was the devoted husband of Bertha Uhl 
Epps, with whom he shared a marriage that spanned nearly seven 
decades and was blessed with three children; and
	WHEREAS, After attending The University of Texas, where he 
played on the football team, Mr. Epps moved to Houston and began his 
career as a machinist with Hughes Tool Company; for 16 years, he 
owned and operated Houston TBA Supply and eventually retired from 
B. F. Goodrich Company in 1984 after more than 20 years of service 
there; and
	WHEREAS, He gave of his time and talents to the Lutheran 
Church and the Boy Scouts of America, which he served as a 
scoutmaster; in addition to growing beautiful orchids, he was a 
talented woodworker and built everything from church altars to 
furniture for his grandchildren; and
	WHEREAS, Affectionately known to his family as "Big Daddy," 
Joe Epps was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather 
who will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in the 
hearts of those whose lives he so richly blessed with his kindness 
and love; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Joe Clifford Epps and 
extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his 
children, Ray Epps and his wife, Dot, Jim Epps and his wife, Mickey, 
and Gaye Mitschke and her husband, Harvey; to his 12 grandchildren 
and 19 great-grandchildren; to his brother, Riley M. Epps and his 
wife, Ann; to his sisters, Virginia Lee Rogers and Connie Leighton 
and her husband, Gerald; to his brother-in-law, Bill Uhl; to his 
sister-in-law, Clara D. Uhl; 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 Joe 
Clifford Epps.

                                                                           Bohac


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1658 was unanimously adopted by a 
rising vote of the House on May 25, 2005.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House