H.R. No. 107
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The citizens of Wise County lost a beloved resident
  and civic leader with the passing of the Honorable Melton David Cude
  on November 29, 2020, at the age of 65; and
         WHEREAS, Melton Cude was born in Decatur on June 22, 1955, to
  Milvern and Margaret Cude, and he grew up with a brother, Murray; he
  was a member of the Class of 1973 at Decatur High School and
  graduated with highest honors from Texas A&M University; in 1980,
  he earned a juris doctor degree from Baylor Law; he began his career
  as an attorney with the Decatur law firm of Woodruff, Fostel, Wren,
  and Simpson; and
         WHEREAS, A dedicated public servant, Mr. Cude was the
  presiding judge of Wise County Court at Law No. 1 and was fulfilling
  his ninth elected term at the time of his death; in total, he served
  more than three decades, becoming one of the longest-tenured
  elected officials in the county; for eight years, he also held the
  title of judge advocate general with the Texas Army National Guard;
  and
         WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Judge Cude enjoyed the love
  and support of his wife, Arlena, with whom he shared a rewarding
  marriage that spanned nearly four decades; he was the devoted
  father of two children, David and Amy, and he took great pride in
  his three grandchildren; a man of faith, he was a lifelong member of
  First Baptist Church of Decatur, and he was actively engaged with
  his community; and
         WHEREAS, Although the untimely death of Judge Melton Cude has
  brought profound sorrow to all who were privileged to know him, his
  integrity and commitment to service will remain a lasting source of
  inspiration; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Judge Melton David
  Cude and extend deepest condolences to the members of his family: to
  his wife, Arlena Cude; to his son, David Cude, and his wife,
  Kristen; to his daughter, Amy Casares, and her husband, Noe; to his
  grandchildren, Evanglynhnn and Nehemiah Casares and Jireh Grace
  Cude; to his brother, Murray Cude; to his father-in-law, J. L.
  Hesteande; 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 Judge
  Melton Cude.
 
  King of Parker
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 107 was unanimously adopted by a
  rising vote of the House on March 10, 2021.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House