83R9070 LB-D
By: Kolkhorst H.R. No. 673
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The citizens of Sealy lost one of their most admired
community leaders with the passing of Joe Burttschell on June 3,
2012, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, Born on February 24, 1929, Joe Burttschell was the
son of Walter Anton and Laura Brune Burttschell; he graduated from
Sealy High School in 1946 and then attended Tarleton State
University before transferring to Texas A&M University, where he
earned his bachelor's degree in 1950; that same year, he married the
love of his life, Alice Vernell Reichardt, with whom he had four
children, Bill, Kathy, Michael, and John; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Burttschell built a 37-year career with
ExxonMobil, beginning as a roustabout at the Katy Humble plant and
retiring as a supervisor of the East Texas Division; while
balancing work and family responsibilities, he participated in the
Sealy Lions Club, the Sealy Cemetery Association Board, and the Cat
Spring Agricultural Society, and he further distinguished himself
through his dedication to the Sealy Little League, which he served
as president; he was committed to improving the community's sports
facilities, and as a member of the Parks and Recreation Board, he
advocated for the creation of a T-ball field that was later named in
his honor; and
WHEREAS, Among his other civic contributions were serving as
a trustee for the Sealy Independent School District, as scholarship
chair of the Austin County A&M Club, and as a longtime member of the
Sealy Tiger Booster Club, from which he received the "Old Man Award"
for his support of local athletics; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement in 1986, Mr. Burttschell
continued ranching in Sealy and Cat Spring for many years, and he
served as municipal judge for both San Felipe and Sealy; he enjoyed
cheering for the Aggies and the Houston Astros, and he also took
pleasure in golfing, hunting, and spending time with his loved
ones; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man and an engaged citizen, Joe
Burttschell is deeply missed, but the humility, optimism, and
kindness with which he lived his life will forever inspire all who
had the good fortune to know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Joe Burttschell and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife,
Alice Burttschell; to his sons, Bill Burttschell and his wife,
Karen, and John Burttschell; to his daughter, Kathy Gregg, and her
husband, Joe; to his eight grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and many friends;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House
of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Joe
Burttschell.