H.R. No. 1292

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The 90th birthday of an esteemed Texan is indeed a special occasion, and the Honorable Carl Everett Lidell of Jonah marked that significant milestone in his life on February 23, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Born in Taylor in 1923, Mr. Lidell is the son of Per and Myrtle Lidell; he worked on the family farm in Jonah as a boy, and he was issued his driver's license at the age of 12, allowing him to transport his three sisters to school and confirmation classes in a Model T coupe; after graduating from Georgetown High School, he attended Southwestern University, where he played guard on the football team; he later transferred to The University of Texas at Austin and was employed part-time on the staff of a state senator; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lidell enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 and trained stateside as a pilot; when his unit was disbanded, he was honorably discharged from the navy and promptly reenlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marine, serving his country in the Pacific theater during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Following demobilization, Mr. Lidell returned to help his father on the farm; he married the former Marie Pearson in 1949, and they became the parents of three sons, John, Lynn, and Michael; in the 1960s, the Lidells purchased the family farm and additional acreage, and Mr. Lidell also began farming another 200 acres owned by his wife's family; he was named Williamson County Agriculturalist of the Year and Outstanding Conservation Farmer in 1970; an individual of diverse talents, he earned his real estate license in 1984 and was affiliated with Clyde Swenson Real Estate and then TEX US Real Estate and Investments; and

WHEREAS, This admired civic leader joined with four other citizens to found the Jonah Water Supply Corporation in 1970; over subsequent decades, it grew to serve thousands of people and became the Jonah Water Special Utility District; Mr. Lidell helped guide its operations as president and general manager, and he continues to serve as a member of the board; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lidell's dedication to his community was further demonstrated through his work as a county commissioner from 1977 to 1984; moreover, he has been active in Rotary International for many years, and he has served the congregation at Hutto Lutheran Church as a Sunday school teacher, as superintendent, and as a member and president of the church council; and

WHEREAS, Following the death of Marie Lidell in 1996, Mr. Lidell was fortunate enough to find love a second time, and he married the former Alice L. "Grace" Bulgerin in 1998; the couple have shared their time and talents with Angel Food Ministries, and in 2009 they were named Volunteers of the Year by the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce; in addition, Mr. Lidell is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from Jonah Community, Inc., and that honor is indeed a fitting tribute to a man who is known to many as "Mr. Jonah"; and

WHEREAS, Carl Everett Lidell has devoted himself to making positive contributions in behalf of his fellow citizens, and his kindness, warmth, and wonderful sense of humor have enriched the lives of innumerable people through the decades; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Carl Everett Lidell on his 90th birthday and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further

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

Farney

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1292 was adopted by the House on April 17, 2013, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House