SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 420

In Memory

of

Carl Dally

WHEREAS, The passing of Judge Carl E. F. Dally on October 19, 2022, at the age of 98, brought a profound loss to his family, friends, and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Born to Emsley and Ethel Dally on January 22, 1924, Carl Dally grew up in rural Merino, Colorado, with three younger siblings, Robert, Louise, and Bernice; he attended Colorado A&M, Michigan State University, and the University of Denver, where he earned his bachelor's degree in economics and a law degree; coming of age during World War II, he served in the European Theater from 1942 to 1945 as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps 57th Bomb Wing; he returned to military service as a captain in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, While stationed at Bryan Air Force Base, Judge Dally met a native Texan, the former Edith Carr, and fell in love; they married in 1952, and the following year they were blessed with a son, William "Bill" Carl Dally, born on his mother's birthday, February 9; guided by the motto "happy wife, happy life," Judge Dally settled permanently in Texas, yet he made it a point to visit his family in Colorado every year; and

WHEREAS, Judge Dally began his career in Houston as an assistant district attorney for Harris County; later, he became a partner at Briscoe, Dally, & Shaffer, and he also lectured in criminal law at South Texas College of Law; in 1971, he was appointed a commissioner of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals; when Texas voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1977 to increase the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals from five to nine judges, he was one of two commissioners who automatically became a judge, and he served from 1978 to 1983; he took pride in his service to the public, and his colleagues knew him for his integrity, work ethic, and dedication to the rule of law; and

WHEREAS, From 1983 to 1993, Judge Dally served his fellow Texans as the assistant state prosecuting attorney in the Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney; he was also a visiting judge on the Third Court of Appeals and wrote opinions and served as a mentor until well into his 80s; and

WHEREAS, Christ was always at the center of his heart, and Judge Dally enjoyed being a Sunday school teacher at Second Baptist Church of Houston, a deacon at Hyde Park Baptist Church, and a member of Austin Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Judge Dally's last and favorite job was being a devoted and doting grandpa to his granddaughter, Laura, who had hoped to introduce him to his great-granddaughter, Ella, who was born less than a month after his passing; and

WHEREAS, Carl Dally made a lasting, positive difference through his professional and civic contributions and devotion to his family, and although he is deeply missed by those he left behind, he will forever hold a special place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of the Honorable Carl E. F. Dally and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his son, William Carl Dally, and daughter-in-law, Cindy Laguna Dally; to his granddaughter, Laura Dally Stowe, and her husband, Nathan Jay Stowe; to his great-granddaughter, Ella Frances Stowe; and to all others 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 Judge Carl Dally.

Paxton

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 17, 2023, by a rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate