83S20376 JNC-D
By: Lavender H.C.R. No. 9
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The certain knowledge of a life well lived may
temper the profound sadness felt at the loss of Paul Gene Roden, who
passed away on June 24, 2013, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Paris, Texas, Mr. Roden was
born on April 21, 1938, to Paul Gene Roden, Sr., and Cecile Loraine
Denton Roden; he attended Paris Junior College and earned his
bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University before
graduating from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in 1961;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Roden established a notable career as a funeral
director, continuing a family tradition that had begun two
generations before, and he also distinguished himself in his work
as an insurance executive; highly respected by his peers, he was a
member of the Texas Association of Insurance Officials, the Texas
Association of Life and Health Insurers, and the East Texas, Texas,
and National Funeral Directors Associations; and
WHEREAS, This dedicated community leader served on the City
of Paris Traffic and Thoroughfares Commission and the Master
Planning and Redistricting Committees; he further benefited his
fellow citizens as a director on the executive board of the Ark-Tex
Council of Governments, as chair of Workforce Solutions Northeast
Texas, and as chair of the Paris Junior College Board of Regents;
his contributions to the college were recognized with his induction
into its Hall of Honor in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Active in a number of civic organizations as well,
Mr. Roden shared his time with the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce,
the Jaycees, the Rotary Club, the Red River Valley Council of the
Girl Scouts of America, and CASA for Kids; in addition, he was a
valued member of the congregation at Lamar Avenue Church of Christ;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Roden married the former Anita Jean Franklin in
1978, and the couple shared a rewarding marriage that spanned more
than 34 years; he was a caring father to his four children, Kathy,
Paul, Ward, and Kevin, and the beloved "Papi" of six grandchildren;
and
WHEREAS, Those fortunate enough to have known Paul Roden will
remember the way he touched their lives with his kind, joyful
spirit, and he will forever hold a treasured place in their hearts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas,
2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Paul Gene
Roden and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to
his wife, Anita Roden; to his children, Kathy Floyd and her husband,
Randy, Paul Kirk Roden and his wife, Kate, Ward Hall and his wife,
Laurel, and Kevin Hall and his fiancee, Tracy Scott; to his
grandchildren, Ross and Kellen Floyd and Arden, Brink, Ethan, and
Jake Hall; to his adoptive grandson, Christopher Hudson; to his
sister, Mary Suzanne Roden; to his brother, Marcus Lee Roden, and
his wife, Sharon; to his brother-in-law, Clifford Franklin, and his
wife, Betsy; to his aunt, Jessie Denton; to Katherine Hughes; 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Paul Gene Roden.