81R9764 JKB-D
By: Miller of Comal H.R. No. 795
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The residents of New Braunfels lost a devoted
community leader with the passing of Gheral Thomas Purdum on
October 8, 2008, at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, Born in San Antonio on April 18, 1928, to J. L. and
Imogene Purdum, Tom Purdum graduated early from Brackenridge High
School and joined the U.S. Marine Corps on his 17th birthday; he
served in Guam and in Washington, D.C., as a member of the Silent
Drill Platoon; and
WHEREAS, His career in civic service began with the San
Antonio Jaycees; he joined the group while attending Trinity
University and working at Smith Motors, and he was the
organization's president in 1956 and 1957; Mr. Purdum went on to
serve in the Uvalde Chamber of Commerce for three years before being
hired as chamber of commerce manager in New Braunfels, where he was
instrumental in the creation and promotion of Wurstfest, the city's
renowned annual festival; his exceptional work with the
organization led to his promotion to executive director, and he
held that title for 25 years; and
WHEREAS, This dedicated Texan held a number of important
posts with local and regional organizations; he served as president
of the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives, the New Braunfels
Rotary Club, and the Comal County Community Fund, as vice-chair of
the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation and as public
affairs director and director of customer services for the Lower
Colorado River Authority; in addition, he was a charter board
member of the Greater Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council, a
founding member of the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio,
and president of the Hummel Museum and Art Gallery in New Braunfels;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Purdum received numerous accolades for his
achievements, including the Besserung Award as citizen of the year
for New Braunfels, selection as Grosse Opa for Wurstfest 2000, the
Marvin Hurley Award from the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives,
and one of only eight honorary life memberships in the Texas
Economic Development Council; moreover, he was one of the first
three individuals given the title of Living Legend of New
Braunfels, and he received an honorary Texan of the Year award from
the Texas Legislative Conference; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Purdum enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Bobbie, and their family; and
WHEREAS, Tom Purdum will be greatly missed by all who knew
him, but his admirable dedication and the many contributions he
made to his community will long remain an inspiration to residents
of the city he loved so well; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Gheral Thomas Purdum
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
wife, Bobbie Purdum; to his children, Sande Herbelin, Candy Sober,
Sue Brown, Hal Herbelin, Tommy Purdum, Brad Herbelin, Martha
Bellamy, and Mike Purdum; to his brother, Jack Purdum; to his
grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 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 Tom Purdum.