83R25850 JWI-D
By: Anchia H.R. No. 1988
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The State of Texas joins all Americans in mourning
the loss of a determined advocate for stronger democracy and social
justice, Robert W. Edgar, who passed away on April 23, 2013, at the
age of 69; and
WHEREAS, Born in Philadelphia on May 29, 1943, Bob Edgar felt
the calling to become a minister at age 16, and he went on to earn an
undergraduate degree from Lycoming College and a master's degree in
divinity from the Drew Theological School; after being ordained, he
was the protestant chaplain at Drexel University and served as a
pastor at the United Methodist Church in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania,
before running for Congress in 1974; and
WHEREAS, While serving the people of Pennsylvania in the
United States Congress for six terms, Mr. Edgar campaigned to curb
wasteful spending and increase the transparency of the government;
a defender of men and women serving in the military, he worked for
measures to provide benefits for Vietnam veterans and readjustment
counseling to treat posttraumatic stress disorder; and
WHEREAS, After leaving Congress, Mr. Edgar served as
president of the Claremont School of Theology in California, and in
2000, he was named general secretary of the National Council of
Churches; under Mr. Edgar's leadership, the NCC, a collection of
more than 100,000 local congregations and 45 million congregants,
embarked on a 10-year effort to defeat poverty; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, Mr. Edgar became president and chief
executive officer of Common Cause, a nonpartisan organization
advocating for an open government; during his tenure, he guided the
organization as it lobbied for campaign finance regulations and
filibuster reform; and
WHEREAS, Bob Edgar was a compassionate leader whose moral
compass informed his public service, and the legacy that he leaves
behind will continue to inspire all who know of him; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Robert W. Edgar and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife of
48 years, the former Merle Louise Deaver; to his sons, Robert,
T. David, and Andrew; to his mother, Marion Edgar; to his brothers,
Ralph and Richard; to his eight grandchildren; and to his other
relatives and many 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 Bob Edgar.