83R12567 MGR-D

By: Gooden H.R. No. 899

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, A 59th wedding anniversary marks a lifetime of mutual devotion and shared experiences, and Merle and Imogene Baker of Forney are celebrating this joyous occasion on June 11, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Merle and Imogene Baker met as teenagers, when they both worked at her uncle's donut shop in Dallas; they had their first date at Fair Park, and after an 18-month courtship, they married at the bride's mother's residence in Oak Cliff; and

WHEREAS, Earlier in their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Baker managed successful businesses in Dallas, including a recording studio and a print shop; above all, they treasure the love of their close-knit family, which has grown to include their children, Cecilia Meler, Brenda Elery, Dean Baker, Tracy Clay, and Amy Collins, as well as 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; in 1995, the couple purchased 20 acres of land in Forney and divided it among their five children, who have all built homes there; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been members of the Urban Park Assembly of God for more than four decades and credit their marriage's longevity to their faith; for their 40th anniversary, Mr. Baker wrote a song titled "My Five Foot One," expressing his love and admiration for his wife; this devoted pair have also commemorated milestone anniversaries with a trip to Europe with friends and a cruise off the Iberian Peninsula; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Baker have enjoyed nearly six decades together, and they are among an exceptional group of men and women who can claim such a lasting commitment; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Merle and Imogene Baker on their 59th wedding anniversary and extend to them sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further

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