SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 282
In Memory
of
Willie I. Kocurek
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Willie I. Kocurek, who
died January 1, 2009, at the age of 98; and
WHEREAS, A longtime civic leader and supporter of
education, Willie I. Kocurek was born in Dime Box on October 14,
1910; he graduated as valedictorian of his class at Caldwell High
School before attending The University of Texas at Austin; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kocurek paid his way through college by
working at a filling station; he later bought the station, which
became the foundation of the Willie Kocurek Company, expanding to
include furniture, appliance, and tire sales; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kocurek retired from his company in 1977 and
returned to college, reenrolling in law school; at 69, he became
the oldest person ever to graduate from The University of Texas
School of Law, and he practiced law for 22 years following his
graduation; and
WHEREAS, Passionate about education, Mr. Kocurek
understood the benefits it brings to society, and for 40 years he
devoted much of his time and energy to educational causes; he
served as president of the board of the Austin Independent School
District and of the Texas Association of School Boards, and he
also served as a director of the National Association of School
Boards; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kocurek was fittingly honored in 1986 when an
elementary school in southwest Austin was named for him; well
known for his lifelong commitment to serving his community, he
was chosen as Austin's Most Outstanding Young Man in 1941 and as
Austin's Most Worthy Citizen in 1980, and he and his son Neal were
chosen as Austinites of the Year in 1990; and
WHEREAS, A tireless volunteer, Mr. Kocurek was active in
the Austin Founders Lions Club and served as director of the
Lions Eye Bank; he also worked with Meals on Wheels, KLRU-TV, the
Boys and Girls Clubs of Austin, the Capital Area Food Bank, and
many other organizations; and
WHEREAS, A man of vision, strength, and generosity, he gave
unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, his kindness, and his
enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be
forgotten by those who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kocurek was a devoted husband, father, and
grandfather, and his family and countless friends will always
treasure the cherished memories of his life and his many
achievements; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Willie I. Kocurek: his wife of 74 years, Maurine
Gustafson Kocurek; his daughter, Kay Kocurek Bell; his
grandchildren, Jeff and Kelly Kocurek and Suzanne Kocurek Rose;
and his great-grandchildren, Cole, Clayton, Melanie, Will, and
Mary Frances Kocurek and Zack, Rebecca, and Hannah Rose; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Willie I. Kocurek.
Watson
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 23, 2009,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate