83R143 MGR-D
By: Patrick H.R. No. 38
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The City of Arlington and the State of Texas lost a
distinguished native son with the death of former mayor Harold
E. Patterson, who passed away on March 20, 2009, at the age of 79;
and
WHEREAS, Born on March 27, 1929, to William T. and Mary
J. Patterson, Harold Patterson was the youngest of 14 children; he
served his country in the United States Marine Corps for two years
and went on to preside over four different Arlington banks; and
WHEREAS, Eager to give back to his community, Mr. Patterson
made public service a priority throughout his life; he served as a
member of the Arlington Parks and Recreation Board and the
education advisory board of the Arlington Independent School
District, and he was president of the Arlington Boys Club, the
Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and the local Lions Club; in
addition, he held a seat on the board of directors of Arlington
Community Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Patterson was first elected to the Arlington
City Council in 1966, and he became mayor pro tempore 11 years after
that; he was elected mayor in 1983 and served two terms, overseeing
Arlington at a time of tremendous growth; during his
administration, the city began fluoridating its water, greatly
expanded its transportation infrastructure, and earned its first AA
bond rating; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Mr. Patterson was honored by many
area organizations for his leadership, and a sports complex in
South Arlington was named for him; after serving as mayor, he
started his own property tax consulting business, and later he won a
position on the Tarrant Appraisal District Board; he never once
lost an election; and
WHEREAS, A man of faith, Mr. Patterson was a longtime member
of the First Baptist Church of Arlington; he and his wife, Frances,
shared a devoted marriage of 60 years and became the proud parents
of two children, Michael and Teresa; his life was further blessed
with a daughter-in-law, Debi, a son-in-law, Steve, six
grandchildren, Ryan, Josh, Tyler, Travis, Chase, and Tiffany, and a
great-grandchild, Hannah; and
WHEREAS, Through his enduring dedication to Arlington and its
citizens, Harold Patterson made a lasting, positive difference, and
he will long be remembered with admiration and affection; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Harold E. Patterson
and his exemplary record of service to the people of Arlington.