H.R. No. 427

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Wharton County Historical Museum is unveiling The Melba Cook Birkner Doll Collection in 2007, and this event provides a fitting opportunity to recognize Mrs. Birkner and her husband, Otha Wyatt "Skeet" Birkner, who made the donation; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Lone Star State, Mr. Birkner was born in Manchaca in 1924; he served his fellow residents with distinction as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1963 until 1967, when he retired to become county commissioner, a position he held for two decades; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with the legislature, the Honorable Otha Birkner served on a number of committees, including the Parks and Wildlife, Highways and Roads, Aeronautics, and Mental Health/Mental Retardation Committees; moreover, he was involved in the acquisition of land for a number of state parks and the creation of Lake Texana State Park as a reservoir and recreational area and in establishing agricultural exemptions and garnering funds for the Head Start Program and other special needs initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Birkner also played an integral role in authorizing funding for the 1968 World's Fair and the creation of the HemisFair '68 park in San Antonio; his efforts in behalf of the Alamo City led St. Mary's University to award him an honorary doctoral degree; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Birkner has served on the local school board, worked as a bank director, and been appointed to the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments by four Texas governors; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Birkner shared nearly six decades with his beloved wife, Melba Rose Cook Birkner, and the couple was blessed with three sons, Wyatt, Donald, and Tim; and

WHEREAS, Born in Mabank, Mrs. Birkner was also a dedicated community leader; the consummate spouse of a public official, she supported her husband in his many professional and civic endeavors while maintaining lively written correspondence with a number of prominent political figures, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Nellie Connally, and Barbara Jordan; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Birkner also had a career as an administrative assistant to the principals of Van Vleck elementary and middle schools; her commitment to the students of each institution was nothing short of exemplary; a respected mentor and friend to many young Texans, she was known for her kindness and encouragement and often made phone calls and home visits to students in need; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Birkner was a talented designer of dolls and doll fashions, and she amassed a significant collection during the seven decades she enjoyed this hobby; and

WHEREAS, Though Melba Birkner's passing on March 20, 2006, left a void in the lives of those who knew her, the gift of this collection to the Wharton County Historical Museum will serve as a lasting reminder of her talent and dedication, while its donation to the museum serves as a tribute to the generosity of her loving husband; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of Melba Rose Cook Birkner and commend the Honorable Otha Wyatt "Skeet" Birkner for his donation to the Wharton County Historical Museum and honor him for the enduring gift he has shared with his fellow citizens; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Birkner as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Zerwas

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 427 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 1, 2007.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House