82R26388 JBA-D
By: Madden H.R. No. 1880
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of an admired former member of the Plano
Fire Department drew to a close on March 9, 2010, with the passing
of Dale Ralph "Cactus" Martin; and
WHEREAS, Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 17, 1932, Dale
Martin moved with his family to Grand Prairie in 1945; he married
the former Elsie Guessett in 1956 and together they raised three
sons, Rickey, Ronnie, and Jeffrey; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Martin worked for Lone Star Boats and relocated
with them to Plano; in 1969, he joined the Plano Fire Department and
was given the nickname "Cactus" by the fire chief when he reported
for a shift with cactus needles in his hands as a result of a
landscaping job the day before; and
WHEREAS, This dedicated firefighter served the department
with distinction for 21 years, demonstrating the courage and skill
that are synonymous with that profession, and his efforts helped
safeguard the lives and property of his fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, After retiring in 1990, he continued to assist
others by working as a volunteer at the Plano Senior Recreation
Center; he and Mrs. Martin took the opportunity to travel
extensively, and they were also active members of the congregation
at Murphy Road Baptist Church in Murphy; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to his family and his community, Dale Martin
lived a caring and purposeful life, and he is remembered with great
fondness and respect by his fellow firefighters and all who had the
good fortune to know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dale Ralph "Cactus"
Martin and extend sincere condolences to his family, his friends,
and his former colleagues; 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 Dale
Martin.