H.R. No. 1743 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Family and friends are mourning the loss of Lewis Murl Allen of Jacksonville, who died on April 11, 2009, at the age of 80; and WHEREAS, "Shorty" Allen was born to Mason and Alma Allen in Van on July 8, 1928; in 1949 he was married to the love of his life, Juanita Keith Allen, and they enjoyed a deeply rewarding union until his passing; over the years, the Allens were blessed with a cherished family that included 4 children, 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild; and WHEREAS, In his devotion to his family, his unfailing kindness and generosity, and his readiness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, Mr. Allen exemplified the greatest qualities of heart and character; he was treasured as well for his wise counsel and for his instinctive sense of how to offer support and encouragement in times of need; his trove of stories, gleaned from a lifetime of experience, served to shed a helpful light on many a problem, and these fondly recalled tales will continue to buoy the spirits of those with whom they were insightfully shared; and WHEREAS, Mr. Allen worked as a painter before his retirement, and he was a valued member of the Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, A man of infinite decency, Shorty Allen enriched the lives of all who were privileged to be a part of his world, and they will forever carry their memories of him close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Lewis Murl Allen and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife of 59 years, Juanita Keith Allen; to his daughters, Cindy Bollinger and her husband, Mike, and Vickie Allen; to his sons, Bennie Earl Allen and his wife, Joann, and Jimmy Allen and his wife, Sylvia; to his sisters, Alpha Hanks and her husband, Marcus, and Ava Ray and her husband, Max; to his brothers, Bennie Allen and his wife, Evelyn, and Charlie Allen and his wife, Sheila; to his sisters-in-law, Mary Allen and Oleta Chandler; to his 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; 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 honor of Lewis Murl "Shorty" Allen. Hopson ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1743 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 11, 2009. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House