SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 346

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure in recognizing the Koenig and Strickland Funeral Home on its 100th anniversary, which is being celebrated March 9, 2009; and

WHEREAS, The heritage of the Koenig and Strickland Funeral Home can be traced back to May of 1909, when August Koenig, a native of La Grange, became one of Texas' first licensed embalmers; in 1924, he formed a partnership with Louis H. Mueller, and they operated their business known as Koenig and Mueller Funeral Directors and Embalmers out of a small storefront in downtown La Grange; and

WHEREAS, In 1928, August's son, Gilbert, purchased the partnership from Louis Mueller and joined his father in forming the Koenig Funeral Home; for the next 40 years, the firm was under the ownership and management of Gilbert Koenig, who became a highly respected leader in the community and the state; he served as chairman of the State Board of Morticians for three years, he served on the La Grange City Council for 19 years, and was mayor for two years; he was a member of numerous civic and church organizations; and

WHEREAS, The funeral home was sold in 1977 to Billy Peel, and it was named the Koenig-Peel Funeral Home; in 1997, it became known as the Koenig and Strickland Funeral Home; today, the firm's main location is in La Grange, and there are Koenig and Strickland chapels in Ellinger, Fayetteville, and Industry; the firm's general manager is Robert J. Falcon, a native of Austin who has been active in the funeral industry for 23 years; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, the funeral home has consistently aimed at providing service guided by the highest of professional standards, and Mr. Falcon and the owners and staff are committed to continuing to offer the same high level of service and dedication that August Koenig provided a century ago; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby commend the Koenig and Strickland Funeral Home on its success and its exemplary role in the funeral home business and extend congratulations to all associated with the firm on its 100th anniversary; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of the Koenig and Strickland Funeral Home. Hegar

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 2, 2009.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate