SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 649
WHEREAS, The Honorable L. DeWitt Hale, who rendered
exceptional service to this state as a longtime member of the
Texas House of Representatives, is celebrating his 92nd birthday
on June 10, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Born in Caddo Mills and raised in Farmersville,
Mr. Hale graduated as salutatorian from Farmersville High School
in 1934; a talented speaker, he excelled at debate both in high
school and at The University of Texas, where he earned a
bachelor's degree and, in 1940, a law degree with honors; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hale won election to the Texas House of
Representatives from Collin County in 1938 and became the
youngest member of the 46th Legislature; after leaving the
university, he held several government posts before joining the
United States Army Air Forces; he served on active duty from 1943
to 1946, earning the Army Commendation Medal and advancing from
private to first lieutenant; following his discharge, he
continued to serve for a number of years in the air force reserve;
and
WHEREAS, In 1946, Mr. Hale moved to Corpus Christi to
practice law; six years later, he won election again to the Texas
Legislature, and, with the exception of one term, he continued to
serve as a representative from Nueces County until 1978; during
his lengthy tenure in the house, he gained a reputation for
fairness, thoroughness, and a superlative mastery of the
legislative process, qualities that often resulted in his being
given especially difficult legislative assignments; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career as a representative, Mr.
Hale staunchly championed education and the judiciary; among the
numerous measures he was instrumental in passing were the
Hale-Aikin school finance program, the Texas Education Code, the
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1961, and the Women on Juries
and Equal Rights Amendments to the Texas Constitution; in
addition, he played a vital role in securing many projects that
improved the quality of life in his district, and he handled the
legislation that made the University of Corpus Christi a
state-supported institution; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hale chaired the House Judiciary Committee
for eight years, as well as the General Investigating, Public
Lands and Buildings, and Rules of the House Committees; he also
cochaired the planning committee for the 1974 Constitutional
Convention, and during the convention he chaired the judiciary
committee; chosen speaker pro tempore for 1961 through 1963, he
was recognized as dean of the house of representatives during his
last four years in office; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished Texan holds membership in a
number of professional and veterans organizations and is a valued
congregant of First Baptist Church of Austin; he has received a
host of accolades for his legislative endeavors, including life
membership in the League of United Latin American Citizens and
multiple awards from educators and the State Bar of Texas; and
WHEREAS, DeWitt Hale and the former Carol Moore were
married on June 8, 1947, and they became the parents of two
daughters, Janet Sue and Nancy Carol; the devoted couple enjoyed
more than 60 years together, until Mrs. Hale's passing in 2008;
and
WHEREAS, The integrity, breadth of vision, and legislative
skill that DeWitt Hale brought to public office contributed
immeasurably to the governance and progress of Texas, and his
myriad achievements continue to enrich the Lone Star State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby commend the Honorable L. DeWitt Hale for his
outstanding public service and extend to him sincere best wishes
for a joyful birthday celebration; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
Mr. Hale as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
Watson
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 23, 2009.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate