86R35416 BPG-D

By: Parker H.R. No. 2009

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, September 6, 2019, marks the 50th wedding anniversary of Representative Tom Craddick and Nadine Craddick, and this joyous event provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on their remarkable journey together as husband and wife; and

WHEREAS, Tom Craddick and the former Nadine Nayfa met in the library at Texas Tech University, where they both were students; Tom earned his bachelor's degree in business and his MBA from Texas Tech, and Nadine completed her bachelor's degree in education at the university; in 1969, Nadine began teaching while Tom began his first term in the Texas House, and as the pair looked forward to their September wedding date, they found that the obligations of the Texas Legislature can interfere with the best-laid plans; the governor called two consecutive special sessions that summer, the second of which didn't end until three days after their wedding date, and although the ceremony proceeded, their honeymoon was delayed; so began their rewarding marriage, and in the years that followed, the Craddicks welcomed the arrival of two children, Christi and Thomas, while working tirelessly together in behalf of their community and the Lone Star State; and

WHEREAS, Representative Craddick made state history in 2003, when he became the first Republican speaker of the House in over 130 years; he served in that role until 2009, and during his tenure, the $10 billion budget shortfall was transformed into a surplus of equal size; moreover, the legislature passed landmark tort reform and the largest property tax cut in state history; his commitment to higher education has greatly benefited such institutions as Midland College, The University of Texas Permian Basin, and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; in addition, he has helped effect far-reaching developments in the areas of energy, health care, mental health, transportation infrastructure, and the prevention of distracted driving; he is also a respected member of the business community as owner of Craddick Properties and president of Craddick Incorporated and as a sales representative for Anchor Drilling Fluids USA; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Craddick has served Midland in a host of leadership roles over the years, among them chair of the Midland Chamber of Commerce and charter member of the Council Against Substance Abuse and the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance board; furthermore, she helped found Midland County Families in Action and was a member of the Midland Hotel/Motel Tax Advisory Board; at the state level, she served on the Governor's Commission for Women and as First Lady of the Texas House, she raised private funds for the renovation of the Speaker's Apartment and Members Lounge and oversaw the project; the Texas Historical Commission recognized her efforts with the prestigious Chairman's Award; a sustaining member of the Republican Women's Club, she has been very active in the party, serving as a state delegate since 1971; she is employed as vice president and secretary of Craddick Incorporated; and

WHEREAS, Widely admired for their philanthropy, the Craddicks have established the Tom and Nadine Craddick Presidential Scholarship Endowment at Texas Tech, the Nadine and Tom Craddick Distinguished Chair in Medical Science at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and the Nadine Craddick Endowment Fund at Midland Memorial Hospital; active in their faith community as well, they have received papal recognition as members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, the Craddicks have been blessed with three grandchildren, Thomas, Claire, and Catherine; the couple enjoy spending time with their cherished family at their Horseshoe Bay retreat, and they love to travel, expand their knowledge, and explore their love of art; and

WHEREAS, The half century of marriage that Tom and Nadine Craddick have shared is eloquent affirmation of the meaning of love, and the strength of their union and of their commitment to the greater good is an inspiration to all who know them; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Tom and Nadine Craddick on their 50th 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 the Craddicks as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.