81R15486 MMS-D
By: Howard of Travis H.R. No. 1242
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Honorable L. DeWitt Hale, who rendered
exceptional service to this state as a longtime member of the Texas
House of Representatives, is celebrating his 92nd birthday on June
10, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Born in Caddo Mills and raised in Farmersville, Mr.
Hale graduated as salutatorian from Farmersville High School in
1934; a talented speaker, he excelled at debate both in high school
and at The University of Texas, where he earned a bachelor's degree
and, in 1940, a law degree with honors; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hale won election to the Texas House of
Representatives from Collin County in 1938 and became the youngest
member of the 46th Legislature; after leaving UT, he held several
government posts before joining the United States Army Air Forces;
he served on active duty from 1943 to 1946, earning the Army
Commendation Medal and advancing from private to first lieutenant;
following his discharge, he continued to serve for a number of years
in the air force reserve; and
WHEREAS, In 1946, Mr. Hale moved to Corpus Christi to
practice law; six years later, he won election again to the Texas
Legislature, and, with the exception of one term, he continued to
serve as a representative from Nueces County until 1978; during his
lengthy tenure in the house, he gained a reputation for fairness,
thoroughness, and a superlative mastery of the legislative process,
qualities that often resulted in his being given especially
difficult legislative assignments; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career as a representative, Mr. Hale
staunchly championed education and the judiciary; among the
numerous measures he was instrumental in passing were the
Hale-Aikin school finance program, the Texas Education Code, the
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1961, and the Women on Juries and
Equal Rights Amendments to the Texas Constitution; in addition, he
played a vital role in securing many projects that improved the
quality of life in his district, and he handled the legislation that
made the University of Corpus Christi a state-supported
institution; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hale chaired the House Judiciary Committee for
eight years, as well as the General Investigating, Public Lands and
Buildings, and Rules of the House Committees; he also co-chaired
the planning committee for the 1974 Constitutional Convention, and
during the convention he chaired the judiciary committee; chosen
speaker pro tem for 1961-1963, he was recognized as dean of the
house of representatives during his last four years in office; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished Texan holds membership in a
number of professional and veterans organizations and is a valued
congregant of First Baptist Church of Austin; he has received a host
of accolades for his legislative endeavors, including life
membership in the League of United Latin American Citizens and
multiple awards from educators and the State Bar of Texas; and
WHEREAS, DeWitt Hale and the former Carol Moore were married
on June 8, 1947, and they became the parents of two daughters, Janet
Sue and Nancy Carol; the devoted couple enjoyed more than 60 years
together, until Mrs. Hale's passing in 2008; and
WHEREAS, The integrity, breadth of vision, and legislative
skill that DeWitt Hale brought to public office contributed
immeasurably to the governance and progress of Texas, and his
myriad achievements continue to enrich the Lone Star State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commend the Honorable L. DeWitt Hale for his
outstanding public service and extend to him sincere best wishes
for a joyful birthday celebration; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Hale as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.