SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 740
 
 
  In Memory
  of
  Carlos Everado Lerma
 
         WHEREAS, Family and friends will long cherish their
  memories of United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.)
  Carlos Everado Lerma, who passed away on March 31, 2019, at the
  age of 84; and
         WHEREAS, Born in Kingsville on October 12, 1934, Carlos
  Lerma was the son of Mauro and Francisca Lerma, and he was raised
  with four siblings, Mauro, Lucila, Nilda, and Ninfa; a standout
  athlete at Kingsville High School, he earned a football
  scholarship to Texas Tech University, where he graduated with a
  civil engineering degree; he began his career as a civil
  engineering laboratory instructor at Texas Tech, and he later
  worked for the State of Texas as an assistant highway project
  engineer; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Lerma subsequently joined the United States
  Air Force, serving two tours in Southeast Asia as operations
  officer for three squadrons; a skilled pilot, he received the
  "Top Gun" title, and he flew 300 combat missions without losing a
  plane or crew member; he ultimately retired at the rank of
  lieutenant colonel, and he was recognized for his valiant efforts
  with a number of commendations, including the Distinguished
  Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 oak leaf
  clusters, the Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters, and the
  Vietnam Service Medal with oak leaf cluster; along the way, he
  also obtained a master's degree in public administration through
  the USAF Air War College; and
         WHEREAS, Returning home to South Texas, Mr. Lerma was
  named city manager of Kingsville, and during his distinguished
  tenure, he helped secure millions of dollars in grants and
  projects for the community; an esteemed civic leader, he was the
  first Kleberg County resident to receive a Road Hand award from
  the Texas Department of Transportation; and
         WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Lerma enjoyed the love
  and support of his wife, Dr. Sandra Lanier-Lerma, with whom he
  shared more than three decades of marriage; he took great pride
  in his three children, Carlos, Lawrence, and Diana, and his
  cherished family grew to include eight grandchildren, Gretchen,
  Rachel, Elizabeth, Christopher, Cason, Caden, Haley, and Rhyan;
  known for his sense of adventure, Mr. Lerma found pleasure in
  fishing and hunting; and
         WHEREAS, Carlos Lerma lived a rich and purposeful life
  devoted to the service of his country and his community, and he
  leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who
  were fortunate enough to know him; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
  Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of United States
  Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Carlos Everado Lerma and
  extend sincere condolences 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 Carlos Lerma.
 
  Fallon, Lucio
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on May 15, 2019, by a
    rising vote.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate