SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 77
In Memory
of
Gene Durkee
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Fort Worth in mourning the loss of Gene Durkee, who
died May 24, 2013, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, Gene Durkee was born April 12, 1930, in Oklahoma
City; he was salutatorian of the Class of 1948 at Moore High
School, where he was also president of the student council and a
standout athlete who earned letters in football, baseball, and
basketball; he went on to earn a degree in petroleum engineering
from the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of the
Engineers Club and Lambda Chi Alpha; and
WHEREAS, He married his childhood sweetheart, Billye, and
the couple enjoyed more than 60 years of marriage; they raised
three sons, Michael, Kenneth, and James, and were blessed with
five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Durkee joined the Oklahoma National Guard
while attending college and earned a commission as a second
lieutenant after completing four years in the Reserve Officers'
Training Corps; he was later called to active duty with the
United States Air Force during the Korean War and served with the
7th Bomb Wing of the Strategic Air Command at Carswell Air Force
Base; and
WHEREAS, He enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in the
petroleum industry, serving in executive positions for a variety
of companies, including Moran Brothers, Western Oceanic, Peter
Bawden Drilling, Pool International, and Beta Drilling; he
created his own firm, Energy Marketing and Drilling, in 1989; and
WHEREAS, Among the professional organizations to which he
gave his time and talent were the International Association of
Drilling Contractors, the Society of Independent Professional
Earth Scientists, and the Society of Petroleum Engineers; and
WHEREAS, Gene Durkee was a man of courage, strength, and
compassion who gave generously to others, and his wisdom, warmth,
and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him;
and
WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and
grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured
forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere
condolences to the bereaved family of Gene Durkee; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Gene Durkee.
Davis
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on June 18, 2013, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate