81R27059 BPG-D
By: Cook H.R. No. 1737
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The untimely passing of Salvation Army Major Charles
Anderson on April 8, 2009, at the age of 44, has brought a profound
loss to his family, his friends, and the many people he helped in
Corsicana and Navarro County; and
WHEREAS, A man of tremendous energy and limitless compassion,
Chuck Anderson was born to a long line of Salvation Army officers,
as was his wife, Beth; the couple first met as children at a
Salvation Army camp and reconnected some years later; their
long-distance romance culminated in marriage in 1990, and they
later became the parents of three treasured children; and
WHEREAS, Major Anderson and his wife, also a major, formed a
loving and effective team; before their posting to Corsicana, they
helped build a church in Mobile, Alabama, and were disaster
coordinators at a headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi; they also
supervised construction of a homeless shelter in Lake Charles,
Louisiana, where Major Anderson particularly enjoyed serving as
chaplain to the fire department; and
WHEREAS, In his role as head of the Salvation Army in Navarro
County, Major Anderson shared his steadfast faith on a daily basis,
delivering sermons at the church and ministering to those seeking
hope and inspiration; he lived in modest circumstances, with few
material possessions, and was always ready to provide others with
practical assistance; when hurricane evacuees took shelter in the
area, he volunteered to help in every way he could; and
WHEREAS, This tireless benefactor and his dedicated family
labored with special diligence at the holidays to secure food and
clothing for those less fortunate and to distribute toys to needy
children, bringing delight to young hearts; Major Anderson's simple
pleasures included watching the antics of the Three Stooges; he was
thrilled to receive a van from Salvation Army headquarters, which
allowed him to travel wherever he could offer the most assistance,
and he drove it nearly every day for such purposes as supporting
emergency responders and serving meals to residents of an
impoverished neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Concerned about the effects of the recession on
vulnerable people, Major Anderson established a food ministry,
worked to promote cooperation among local social service agencies
and churches, and advocated for proactive measures in anticipation
of an increasing need for services; and
WHEREAS, Chuck Anderson found great joy in serving others,
and although he will be deeply missed, those who were fortunate
enough to know him will remember forever the generosity with which
he lived each day; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Salvation Army Major
Charles Anderson and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his
family: to his wife, Major Beth Anderson; to his children, Caleb,
Rebekah, and Aaron Anderson; and to his 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 Major Chuck
Anderson.