81R15486 MMS-D

By: Howard of Travis H.R. No. 1242

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Honorable L. DeWitt Hale, who rendered exceptional service to this state as a longtime member of the Texas House of Representatives, is celebrating his 92nd birthday on June 10, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Born in Caddo Mills and raised in Farmersville, Mr. Hale graduated as salutatorian from Farmersville High School in 1934; a talented speaker, he excelled at debate both in high school and at The University of Texas, where he earned a bachelor's degree and, in 1940, a law degree with honors; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hale won election to the Texas House of Representatives from Collin County in 1938 and became the youngest member of the 46th Legislature; after leaving UT, he held several government posts before joining the United States Army Air Forces; he served on active duty from 1943 to 1946, earning the Army Commendation Medal and advancing from private to first lieutenant; following his discharge, he continued to serve for a number of years in the air force reserve; and

WHEREAS, In 1946, Mr. Hale moved to Corpus Christi to practice law; six years later, he won election again to the Texas Legislature, and, with the exception of one term, he continued to serve as a representative from Nueces County until 1978; during his lengthy tenure in the house, he gained a reputation for fairness, thoroughness, and a superlative mastery of the legislative process, qualities that often resulted in his being given especially difficult legislative assignments; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career as a representative, Mr. Hale staunchly championed education and the judiciary; among the numerous measures he was instrumental in passing were the Hale-Aikin school finance program, the Texas Education Code, the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1961, and the Women on Juries and Equal Rights Amendments to the Texas Constitution; in addition, he played a vital role in securing many projects that improved the quality of life in his district, and he handled the legislation that made the University of Corpus Christi a state-supported institution; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hale chaired the House Judiciary Committee for eight years, as well as the General Investigating, Public Lands and Buildings, and Rules of the House Committees; he also co-chaired the planning committee for the 1974 Constitutional Convention, and during the convention he chaired the judiciary committee; chosen speaker pro tem for 1961-1963, he was recognized as dean of the house of representatives during his last four years in office; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished Texan holds membership in a number of professional and veterans organizations and is a valued congregant of First Baptist Church of Austin; he has received a host of accolades for his legislative endeavors, including life membership in the League of United Latin American Citizens and multiple awards from educators and the State Bar of Texas; and

WHEREAS, DeWitt Hale and the former Carol Moore were married on June 8, 1947, and they became the parents of two daughters, Janet Sue and Nancy Carol; the devoted couple enjoyed more than 60 years together, until Mrs. Hale's passing in 2008; and

WHEREAS, The integrity, breadth of vision, and legislative skill that DeWitt Hale brought to public office contributed immeasurably to the governance and progress of Texas, and his myriad achievements continue to enrich the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby commend the Honorable L. DeWitt Hale for his outstanding public service and extend to him sincere best wishes for a joyful birthday celebration; and, be it further

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