H.R. No. 2558

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Residents of Marshall lost an admired civic leader, educator, and broadcaster with the death of Frank John Lower on August 16, 2016, at the age of 74; and

WHEREAS, Born in Kankakee, Illinois, on January 3, 1942, Frank Lower was the son of Frederick and Nellie Lower; he grew up in Colorado and completed his bachelor's and master's degrees at Adams State University before going on to earn his doctorate from Florida State University; on February 3, 1967, he married the love of his life, Jacquelyn Dean Lower, and the couple became the proud parents of three children, Laura, Malcolm, and Frank; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lower taught at Georgia State University, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Union University in Tennessee, and Louisiana State University Shreveport before joining the communications department faculty of East Texas Baptist University in 1991; he served as chair of the department, and under his leadership, ETBU launched its annual Christian Writers Conference; following his retirement in 2006, he continued to teach part-time for four more years; he established a strong rapport with his students and was always willing to listen to their concerns; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated journalist, Dr. Lower covered both news and sports for KMHT until his passing; he was extremely knowledgeable about county government, and his distinctive voice and passion for sports made his game broadcasts exciting for fans; he was an enthusiastic supporter of local teams, and he faithfully attended Marshall Lady Mavericks and Harleton Wildcats softball games, at home and away; win or lose, he offered kind encouragement to the young athletes, their parents, and their coaches, and he earned the affectionate nickname "Dr. Frankensports"; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lower served on the board of the Marshall Depot Museum and worked tirelessly on projects such as the Santa at the Depot event; moreover, he served as president and as secretary of the Marshall Regional Arts Council, and he was an active member of the Marshall Lions Club; he gave generously of his time and talents to the Marshall Chamber of Commerce, acting as a judge at its FireAnt Festival and performing in plays he wrote at Wonderland of Lights events; in recognition of his contributions, the organization presented him with its annual Mover and Shaker award; he was a valued member of First Baptist Church as well; and

WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his family and his community, Frank Lower made a meaningful difference in the lives of his loved ones and fellow citizens alike, and those who were privileged to know him will forever treasure their memories of his thoughtfulness, warmth, and wonderful sense of humor; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Frank Lower and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Jacquelyn Lower; to his children, Laura Dean Lower and her husband, Daniel Dohner, Malcolm Frederick Lower and his wife, Brandy, and Frank Garrison Lower and his wife, Lydia; to his grandchildren, Aaron and Jacquelyn Dohner and Amelia, Emery, Makenna, Henry, and Maya Lower; to his sister, Jennifer Lower Weirick, and her husband, Vance; and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Frank Lower.

Paddie

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 2558 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 28, 2017.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House