88S31223 CW-D
 
  By: Guillen H.R. No. 135
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, La Vernia lost an admired civic leader with the
  passing of former mayor Ewald Edward Koepp Jr. on March 20, 2016, at
  the age of 86; and
         WHEREAS, The son of E. O. and Theresa Koepp, "Junior" Koepp
  was born on February 3, 1930; he played football as a student at La
  Vernia High School and Texas Lutheran University, and he served his
  country in the U.S. military during the Korean War; following in his
  father's footsteps, he began working in the automotive industry at
  an early age, and in 1969, he took over the family business, Koepp
  Chevrolet; he dedicated himself to providing top-notch customer
  service and the dealership flourished; he also took pride in his
  role as developer of the Silverado Hills and Westover subdivisions;
  and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Koepp served his community in numerous
  leadership roles; during 14 years as mayor, he oversaw the paving of
  roads and the installation of a sewer system, among other
  improvements; he further served as a member of the county school
  board and Wilson County appraisal board and as an officer in the
  volunteer fire department; a founder of the La Vernia Chamber of
  Commerce and the Greater La Vernia Chamber of Commerce, he was an
  active member of the Lions Club, Sons of Hermann, and American
  Legion; he benefited youth as a scout leader, and he was a past
  master of Masonic Lodge No. 226 and a member of Alzahar Temple;
  committed to conservative values, he organized the Wilson County
  Republican Party and served as chair for a dozen years; and
         WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Mr. Koepp married Jewel Helmke
  on April 10, 1955, and they became the parents of two sons, Dwight
  and Hiram, and a daughter, Melissa; eventually, he was blessed with
  nine grandchildren, Eric, Andrew, Lauren, Jessica, Elise,
  Alexandria, Travis, Parker, and Ryan; sustained by a strong faith,
  Mr. Koepp was a valued member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he
  served as councilman and as a member of the cemetery committee;
  following his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with friends and
  relatives, working cattle on his ranch, fishing, hunting, and
  pursuing his great passion, taking care of the land; and
         WHEREAS, Junior Koepp gave freely of his time and expertise
  to better his community, and his selfless example of public service
  and civic engagement remains a source of inspiration to all who were
  privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
  Ewald Edward Koepp Jr. and extend sincere condolences to his family
  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 Junior
  Koepp.