SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 240

In Memory

of

Gene Pemberton

WHEREAS, Family and friends will forever cherish their memories of Gene Pemberton of Temple, who passed away on January 27, 2019, at the age of 79; and

WHEREAS, Born in Cameron on October 27, 1939, Gene Pemberton was the son of E. M. and Aleyne Pemberton and the brother of Stanton and Cheryl; a graduate of Temple High School and Temple Junior College, he continued his education at Hardin-Simmons University, where he earned a bachelor of business administration degree; and

WHEREAS, In 1961, Mr. Pemberton was joined in matrimony to the former Mary Holick, with whom he shared a fulfilling union of five and a half decades until her passing in 2017; he was a dedicated father to his children, Gary, Allen, and Lisa, and he was further blessed with five grandchildren, Brandon, Andrew, Jeffrey, Elisabeth, and Emalye; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pemberton worked for American Desk Manufacturing Company for 31 years, during which time he served as vice president of marketing and director of special projects; a prominent figure in the local sports community, he was a color commentator for KTEM Radio on Temple Wildcat Broadcast for nearly three decades, and he and his partner, Mark McLain, received recognition for their outstanding work with an Associated Press Award in 1992 and a Katie Award from the Press Club of Dallas in 1993; in addition, Mr. Pemberton belonged to the Southwest Basketball Officials Association for 23 years, and the organization honored him with a lifetime membership in 1984; and

WHEREAS, Following his tenure with American Desk, Mr. Pemberton was hired by the Houston Astros, serving initially as director of community development; he subsequently became the team's chaplain, earning the distinction of being the first full-time chaplain in Major League Baseball; this esteemed civic leader was also president of the Kiwanis Club and a Legion of Honor member, and he was a devoted congregant and deacon of Bethel Church of the Assemblies of God; and

WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his family, his community, and his faith, Gene Pemberton made a meaningful difference in the lives of his loved ones and fellow citizens alike, and his contributions will be fondly remembered for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Gene Pemberton and extend heartfelt sympathy to all who mourn his passing; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Gene Pemberton. Buckingham

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 21, 2019, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate