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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Grand Prairie lost an esteemed member of the |
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community with the passing of Bobby Kenneth Steen on February 2, |
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2017, at the age of 85; and |
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WHEREAS, The son of Odessa and Isaac Steen, Bobby Steen was |
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born on November 15, 1931; he attended Dallas public schools and |
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later completed his GED through the Grand Prairie Independent |
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School District; coming of age during segregation, Mr. Steen |
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recognized the need for lodgings to serve African American |
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travelers; he was a 27-year-old with just a little construction |
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experience when he designed and built Steen's Motel in the Dalworth |
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community, which was founded by African Americans at the turn of the |
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previous century; over the years, he welcomed myriad guests to his |
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establishment, which featured a community kitchen and dining room, |
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and everyone from migrant workers to prominent entertainers enjoyed |
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his hospitality; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Steen developed such strong customer loyalty |
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that the motel continued to thrive even after integration enabled |
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African Americans to take advantage of more conveniently located |
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accommodations; in addition, he had guests who became long-term |
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residents and remained family friends after moving away; the motel |
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was designated a Grand Prairie Significant Landmark and received a |
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historic marker in 2007; and |
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WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Mr. Steen shared a fulfilling |
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relationship of 42 years with his wife, Gale, and he took great |
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pride in his six children, Bobby, Isaac, Glen, Darrell, Ali, and |
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Keyma, as well as seven grandchildren and seven |
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great-grandchildren; he was a valued member of the Faith Fellowship |
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Baptist Church; and |
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WHEREAS, Bobby Steen lived a full and productive life |
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surrounded by those he loved, and they will forever hold him close |
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in their hearts; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas |
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Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Bobby Kenneth Steen |
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and extend sincere condolences to his many relatives and friends; |
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and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of |
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Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bobby |
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Steen. |
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Turner |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 1129 was unanimously adopted by a |
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rising vote of the House on April 6, 2017. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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