H.R. No. 2262 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Honorable Mickey R. Pennington, judge of the 38th State District Court, retired on December 31, 2008, after 25 years of exemplary service in behalf of his fellow citizens; and WHEREAS, A native of Eldorado, Mickey Pennington graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and earned his law degree at St. Mary's University in San Antonio; he began his legal career in 1977 with the law firm of Kessler, Kessler, Vaughn and Pennington in Uvalde; and WHEREAS, Six years later, this esteemed Texan was appointed judge of the 38th State Judicial District by Governor Mark White, and he served with distinction in that position through 2008; and WHEREAS, Judge Pennington has been active in a number of professional organizations, serving as president of the Uvalde County Bar Association, as a board member of the Center for the Texas Judiciary, as a life fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, and as a fellow of the State College of the Judiciary; he is also a graduate of the Advanced Judicial College, a member of the Supreme Court Task Force for Foster Care, and a member of the Border District Bar Association; and WHEREAS, A leader in his community as well, he has shared his time to benefit the Uvalde County Child Welfare Board and has served as chair of the First United Methodist Church Board of Trustees; and WHEREAS, This devoted family man and his wife, Barbara, are the proud parents of two children, Sarah, a graduate of Texas A&M--Corpus Christi, and Rebecca, a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, Judge Pennington's tenure as a jurist has been characterized by diligence, integrity, and a passion for the law, and it is indeed fitting to join with the residents of Uvalde, Medina, and Real Counties to honor this highly respected member of the judiciary for his outstanding public service; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Honorable Mickey R. Pennington on his retirement as judge of the 38th State District Court, commend him on his exceptional career, and extend to him sincere best wishes for an enjoyable retirement; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Judge Pennington as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Gallego ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2262 was adopted by the House on May 25, 2009, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House