83R9189 LB-D
By: Flynn H.R. No. 792
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
a close when Everett Joe Zihlman of Commerce passed away on February
9, 2013, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, The son of Marie Peerce and Joseph E. Zihlman, Joe
Zihlman was born on February 22, 1929, in Wichita Falls and later
moved to Dallas; he married the former Kay Surprenant and the couple
shared a long and happy marriage that was further enhanced by the
addition of four children, Cheri, Richard, Mary, and Joe; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Zihlman worked as a traffic signal electrician
for the City of Dallas for 28 years before moving to Commerce
following his retirement; this civic-minded Texan soon became a
reserve officer for the Commerce Police Department, and he would
ultimately devote 28 years to the protection of local residents;
over the course of his impressive tenure on the force, he achieved
the rank of Master Peace Officer and, in 2006, he was honored as the
Commerce Police Department Officer of the Year; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his contributions to area law
enforcement, Mr. Zihlman was active in the community as a member of
the Knights of Columbus and Commerce Masonic Lodge No. 439, and he
was also a Shriner; moreover, he benefited the West Delta Water
Corporation as a master electrician for many years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Zihlman was a man of many interests who loved to
sing, and he taught himself how to play a number of instruments,
including the guitar, mandolin, and banjo; an expert marksman and
gunsmith as well, he was a lifetime member of the National Rifle
Association, the Texas Rifle Association, and the Sons of
Confederate Veterans; generous and kind to all, he enjoyed daily
visits with friends, and he was admired by many for his exceptional
memory and extensive knowledge of the world around him; and
WHEREAS, Though it is impossible to gauge the full effect of a
man's life, some people leave their unmistakable mark on the world
as they move through it, and Joe Zihlman's legacy will continue to
resonate in his community for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Everett Joe Zihlman
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
wife, Kay; to his daughters, Cheri Broussard and her husband,
Frenchie, and Mary Zihlman; to his sons, Richard Collier and his
wife, Tina, and Joe Zihlman and his wife, Barbara; to his
grandchildren, Shane Broussard, Michelle Jeter, Denise Smith, and
Melissa Keister; to his great-grandchildren, Aaron and Hannah
Broussard, Sydney and Cameron Jeter, Destany, Sarah, and Haven
Keister, and Robin and Christopher Smith; and to his other loved
ones; 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 Joe
Zihlman.