83S10725 CBE-D
By: Raymond H.R. No. 219
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Fort Worth lost a celebrated architect
and dedicated community leader with the passing of Preston Murdoch
Geren, Jr., on June 12, 2013, at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, A native of Fort Worth, Preston Geren was born on
December 16, 1923, to Preston M. Geren, Sr., and Linda Giesecke
Geren; he graduated from Arlington Heights High School and then
followed in his grandfather's, father's, and uncle's footsteps to
study architecture at Texas A&M University; in 1943, at the age of
19, he left school to join the U.S. Army and fight in World War II,
but his desire to serve his country was nearly thwarted when he
failed the vision test for new recruits; determined and
resourceful, he snuck back into the clinic, memorized the eye
chart, and easily passed the test the next day; and
WHEREAS, Deployed to Europe as a member of the Third Army,
Mr. Geren went on to earn a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and a
Purple Heart; he later resumed his education at Georgia Tech, where
he obtained a degree, but his lifelong allegiance was to the Aggies;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Geren worked for his father's firm, Preston
M. Geren Architect and Engineers, as a draftsman, designer,
engineer, and spec writer before becoming a partner in the company;
when his father died in 1969, Mr. Geren became the firm's sole
owner; he was involved in designing buildings at Texas Christian
University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, The
University of Texas at Arlington, and A&M, where he was especially
proud of the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center; in addition, he
assisted architect Louis Kahn in developing the renowned Kimbell
Art Museum; his firm also regularly worked with school districts to
design schools, and Mr. Geren enjoyed those projects immensely; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, this esteemed Texan contributed to
his profession as president of both the Texas Society of Architects
and its Fort Worth chapter and as chair of the Texas Architectural
Foundation; he was named a Fellow of the American Institute of
Architects and was recognized for his achievements with the
Llewelyn Pitts Award; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Geren retired in 1984 and subsequently turned
his attention full-time to giving back to his beloved hometown; he
was a member of the board of the Fort Worth Children's Hospital and
the Museum of Science and History, among other organizations, and
he served as president of Streams & Valleys, a nonprofit group
committed to the revitalization of the Trinity River; he further
distinguished himself through his devotion to A&M, serving on the
TAMU Bush Presidential Museum Committee, the Chancellor's and
President's Advisory Councils, the Executive Committee of the 12th
Man Foundation, and the Advisory Council of the College of
Architecture; he was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award
in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Although he was known for his strong work ethic,
Mr. Geren took pleasure in spending leisure time with his treasured
family; he was the devoted husband of Colleen Geren, and he took
great pride in their five children and numerous grandchildren; he
and his wife shared nearly six decades together before her passing
in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Preston Geren inspired all who knew him through his
generous and purposeful life, and he leaves behind a legacy that
will continue to resonate for many years to come; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
of Preston Murdoch Geren, Jr., and extend sincere condolences to
the members of his family: to his children, State Representative
Charles L. Geren, former U.S. congressman Preston M. "Pete" Geren
III, Eva Geren Motheral, Chandra Edwards Geren, and Dr. Beauford T.
"Toby" Erwin III; to his sisters, Linda Lee Nichols and Alma
Caroline Key; to his 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren;
and to his other relatives and 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 Preston
Murdoch Geren, Jr.