H.R. No. 1019
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life filled with notable accomplishments and
meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of the Honorable
Charles D. Kirkham, Jr., of Cleburne on April 16, 2010, at the age
of 84; and
WHEREAS, Charles Kirkham was born in Cleburne on July 28,
1925, to Charles D. Kirkham, Sr., and Mary Ellen Payne Kirkham;
after graduating from Cleburne High School in 1943, he served with
the 94th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during World War II, and
his valiant actions were recognized with the Purple Heart, the
Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Bronze Star; and
WHEREAS, After the war, Mr. Kirkham continued his education
at Texas A&M University, becoming president of the student senate
and earning his degree in 1950; he went on to establish a successful
career with Merrill Lynch and retired as a vice president after 45
years with the company; and
WHEREAS, Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr.
Kirkham dedicated himself to public service and to addressing
important issues in his state; in 1954, voters in Cleburne and
Johnson County elected him to the Texas House of Representatives,
and he was a member of the 53rd and 54th Texas Legislatures; in
addition, he was chair of the Texas Good Roads/Transportation
Association, and he earned the prestigious Road Hand Award from the
Texas Transportation Commission in 1993; and
WHEREAS, His leadership skills were also put to good use in
his service as Texas chair of the Employer Support of the Guard and
Reserve organization and as a member of the board of the Texas A&M
University Association of Former Students; moreover, he was a
founding member of the Dallas Friday Group and a congregant of
Highland Park Presbyterian Church; and
WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his nation, his community, and his
family, Charles Kirkham made a positive difference in the lives of
his loved ones and fellow citizens alike, and his contributions
will be remembered and admired for years to come; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Charles D. Kirkham,
Jr., and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to
his sons, Chad Kirkham and his wife, Leanne, and Colin Kirkham and
his wife, Allison; to his daughter, Cathy Burhen; to his
grandchildren, Paris Burhen, Pallas Burhen, Paige Kirkham, Jack
Kirkham, and Chad Kirkham; to his sister, Wilma Kirkham Reed; to his
nieces, Karen Malone and Sylvia Massey; 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 Charles
Kirkham.
Orr
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1019 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on April 7, 2011.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House