88R15525 BK-D
 
  By: Clardy H.R. No. 657
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Residents of Nacogdoches lost an admired civic
  leader with the passing of Dr. Leon Charles Hallman on January 14,
  2023, at the age of 85; and
         WHEREAS, Leon Hallman was born in Dallas on May 8, 1937, to
  Edgar and Helen Frances Hallman; after starting his career as an
  accountant, he changed course and earned his Ph.D. in geography
  from the University of California, Los Angeles, before going to
  work as a geography professor at Stephen F. Austin State
  University; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Hallman excelled as an educator at SFASU and was
  promoted to leadership roles that included department chair and
  director of the university's Office of International Studies, where
  he coordinated exchange programs with countries such as China,
  Japan, and Ukraine; he greatly enjoyed his work and remained
  passionate about learning, creating, and traveling throughout his
  life; and
         WHEREAS, Active and engaged in his community, Dr. Hallman
  served on the Nacogdoches Planning & Zoning Committee before he was
  elected to the city commission, now known as the city council; he
  was dedicated to promoting economic development, and he also served
  on the advisory committee for the city's 2003 comprehensive plan;
  and
         WHEREAS, Over the years, Dr. Hallman belonged to a number of
  civic and service clubs and held many positions in both the local
  chamber of commerce and the Nacogdoches Rotary Club; he likewise
  volunteered his time generously at the First United Methodist
  Church, including as a member of the choir; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Hallman shared his devotion to civic life with
  his wife of 43 years, Dr. Patsy Hallman, with whom he founded the
  Texas Blueberry Festival in 1989; he conceived the idea for the
  event as a means of generating business and paying tribute to local
  blueberry farms, and it has since grown to attract tens of thousands
  of attendees; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Hallman's loving family further included his
  children, Karen, Adaire, Dave, and Bethany, his "adopted" son,
  Igor, his grandchildren, Scott, Margaret, Michael, Katherine, and
  Alexandra, and his "adopted" grandchildren, Bryan and Vera; he was
  preceded in death by his son, Dwayne; and
         WHEREAS, A devoted family man, a dynamic educator, and a
  pillar of his community, Dr. Leon Hallman leaves behind a legacy of
  service that will forever inspire those who were privileged to know
  him; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Leon Charles
  Hallman and extend sincere sympathy to his loved ones; 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 Dr. Leon
  Charles Hallman.