H.R. No. 1348
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The death of Dr. Kendell Beck of Dallas on March 11,
2015, at the age of 81, brought a great loss to his family, friends,
and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Born on August 19, 1933, Kendell Beck graduated as
the salutatorian of Booker T. Washington High School before earning
his bachelor's degree from Paul Quinn College; he went on to
complete a master's degree in education at Prairie View A&M
University, receive certificates in mathematics from East Texas
State University and communication from Texas A&M University, and
earn doctorates in ministry and philosophy from Vision
International University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Beck was employed as a food inspector with the
federal government for a decade prior to embarking on a career in
education with the Dallas Independent School District; he worked in
the district for more than 30 years, teaching mathematics and
holding a number of important administrative positions, including
principal and director of alternative programs; and
WHEREAS, Active in his professional community, Dr. Beck was a
member of the Texas State Teachers Association, the National
Alliance of Black School Educators, the Texas Alliance of Black
School Educators, and the National Teachers Association, among
others; in addition, he helped raise scholarship funds for
Dallas-area students through his affiliation with the United Negro
College Fund; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Beck also gave freely of his time and energies
as president of the Paul Quinn College National Alumni Association,
and he was a board member and chair for Volunteers of America Texas;
a man of deep faith, he was a certified lay speaker for the United
Methodist Church and a valued congregant of St. Paul United
Methodist Church, which he served as a steward and trustee; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, Dr. Beck was recognized with many
awards and honors, such as the 2007 Outstanding Texan Award from the
Texas Legislative Black Caucus and the Presidential Citation from
the Paul Quinn College National Association for Equal Opportunity
in Higher Education; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, he enjoyed the love and
support of his wife, Dr. Mary Beck, and he took great pride in their
children, Kendell, Cheryl, Janice, Reginald, Taft, and Edward, and
in their eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Kendell Beck made a positive impact in countless
lives through his contributions as an educator and as a leader in
his community, and he leaves behind a record of service that his
loved ones can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Kendell Beck
and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Dr. Mary Beck; to his children, Kendell Beck Jr., Cheryl
White and her husband, Robert, Janice Beck, Reginald Beck, Taft
Wilson Jr. and his wife, Aletha, and Edward Wilson and his wife,
Henretta; to his grandchildren, Chinekwau Alexander, Dedrick and
Brittany White, and Daiquari, Taft, Rodrick, Tiffany, and Edward
Wilson; to his great-grandchildren, Kenadee, Kourtnee, Aryah,
Kamron, and Kyra; and to his other relatives and many 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
Dr. Kendell Beck.
Davis of Dallas
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1348 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on M
arch 19, 2015.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House