SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 353
In Memory
of
Ernest Frank Bennett, Jr.
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Corpus Christi in mourning the loss of the Reverend
Ernest Frank Bennett, Jr., who died February 12, 2011, at the age
of 89; and
WHEREAS, Ernest Bennett, Jr., was born August 21, 1921, to
Dr. Ernest Frank Bennett, Sr., and Julia Katherine Bell Bennett;
he graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in San Antonio,
later receiving a degree from the University of California Los
Angeles and a bachelor of divinity degree from the University of
Chicago Divinity School; he also received numerous honorary
degrees over the years; and
WHEREAS, He served valiantly in the United States Army
during World War II; before his call to the ministry, he had a
varied career, including being a professional saxophonist with
various orchestras; he was an editorial writer for newspapers,
including the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and was a contributing
editor to the Pulpit Digest and the author of Character Counts:
Do You Agree?; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Bennett served as a pastor at Mount Zion
Baptist Church in Robstown and Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church in
Refugio, and at other churches in several states; he was
associate pastor at Rising Star Baptist Church in Corpus Christi;
he was an active chaplain for the Corpus Christi City Council and
for the police department; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Bennett, "E. F." as many called him, was
a respected leader in the community; many organizations
benefited from his wise counsel, including the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Urban
League, the Lighthouse for the Blind, the Corpus Christi City
Employees Credit Union, Goodwill Industries, the American
Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars; and
WHEREAS, He was a longtime advocate for minorities and
those who were poor; education was always important to him and he
taught in the Robstown and West Oso public school systems and the
Corpus Christi Independent School District; he helped establish
a scholarship fund that is administered by the Coastal Bend
Community Foundation; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend E. F. Bennett was a highly respected
church and community leader who had a positive influence on the
lives of many people; he was a devoted husband, father, and
grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured
forever by his family and all those who had the good fortune to
know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of the Reverend
Ernest Frank Bennett, Jr., and extend sincere condolences to his
bereaved family: his wife of 48 years, Ikoza Marie Bennett; his
sons, Ernest F. Bennett III and Stephan Bennett; and his 23
grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; 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 the Reverend Ernest Frank Bennett, Jr.
Hinojosa
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 23, 2011,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate