81R7840 MG-D By: Christian H.R. No. 558 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Albert H. Burns has dedicated much of his life to serving his fellow citizens and making notable contributions in behalf of his beloved hometown; and WHEREAS, Born in Tenaha on September 30, 1924, Albert Burns was raised in that East Texas community and graduated from Tenaha High School in 1942; soon thereafter, he answered his nation's call to duty, and at the age of 18, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and was stationed in such locales as North Africa and Austria during World War II; on his discharge from the military, he returned to the Lone Star State and settled in Tenaha; through the years, he worked as a real estate broker, a businessman in the timber industry, and a rural mail carrier, and he was the publisher and editor of a weekly newspaper for Tenaha and the surrounding areas, the East Texas Light; and WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, Mr. Burns has found the time to distinguish himself through his community involvement, earning the nickname "Mr. Tenaha"; he has served as president of the Tenaha Businessmen's Association and of the board of the Tenaha Independent School District, and he is a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Tenaha; in addition, he has been affiliated with the American Legion Post and has held positions in municipal government; and WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan is a steward of the history and culture of Tenaha, and for his efforts, he has garnered praise from the Shelby County Historical Society; Mr. Burns was also honored with the Community Builder Award from the Tenaha Masonic Lodge, the Man of the Year and 100 Men of East Texas designations, and induction into the Tenaha Schools Hall of Fame; moreover, in 1996, he received U.S. Congressional special community recognition; and WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Burns enjoys the love and support of his family; devoted to his wife, the late Virginia Burns, throughout a marriage that spanned nearly six decades, he is the proud father of three children, Linda, Bob, and Barry; he has also known the joy of welcoming six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren into the world; and WHEREAS, A kind and generous man, Albert Burns is an inspiration to all who are fortunate enough to know him, and he may indeed reflect with great pride on the positive impact he has had on his community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby honor Albert H. Burns for his outstanding civic engagement and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Burns as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.