SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 926

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Curtis Othello Coleman, Sr., who died March 6, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Curtis Coleman was the son of Reverend Willie Governor and Minnie Epps Coleman of Lexington, Mississippi; he was a graduate of Ambrose Vocational High School in Lexington and attended Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College, studying business and culinary arts; and

WHEREAS, He married Maggie Mae Lacey in 1939, and the couple moved to Memphis, where Curtis furthered his education at Booker T. Washington Special Training School; they moved to Chicago in 1943 and built a home in Dolton, Illinois; the couple settled in Austin in 1997; and

WHEREAS, The church was always an important part of Mr. Coleman's life, and he served the church in many capacities; the Park Manor Missionary Baptist Church began in the Colemans' home, and he had a 47-year association with Liberty Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, He had a successful career in food service that began in Memphis, Tennessee, when he prepared food at the Greyhound bus terminal; his talents in culinary arts while the night chef at the Town and Country Restaurant in Chicago led to television appearances; he was the executive food director for the Cook County House of Corrections from 1963 to 1972, and also served as a deputy sheriff for the correctional department; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his life he supported community and social services; for over 50 years, he was a member of the Masons; he had been a member of the Republican Party since the 1940s and served as a clerk, precinct committeeman, and an election judge; and

WHEREAS, After moving to Austin, he continued working in politics, including the presidential campaigns of George W. Bush; a fierce advocate for social justice, he fought for social services on behalf of senior citizens and people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Curtis Coleman lived a productive life filled with love for his family, devotion to his church, and service to his community; he will be deeply missed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Curtis Othello Coleman, Sr.: his devoted wife of 67 years, Maggie Lacey Coleman; his daughters and sons-in-law, Marva Reed and Christopher, Elaine Coleman, and Brenda Coleman-Beattie and Chester S. Beattie, Jr.; his brother, Gilbert Coleman; his grandchildren, Robert, Malcolm, and William Reed and Marcus McCall; his six great-grandchildren; and his special aunt, Lillian Carey; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Curtis Othello Coleman, Sr. Wentworth

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 30, 2007, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate