84R26135 BK-D
By: Dutton H.R. No. 2286
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the
passing of Carlton Earl Land of Houston on April 20, 2015, at the
age of 72; and
WHEREAS, The son of Peary and George Ann Land, Carlton Land
was born on February 1, 1943, in Jacksonville and raised in Houston;
he graduated with honors from Jack Yates Senior High School in 1961
and went on to enlist in the United States Air Force in September of
the following year; he served his country with distinction for
three decades before retiring with the rank of chief master
sergeant in 1992; during his decorated military career, he was
awarded the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak
leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak
leaf clusters; and
WHEREAS, On his return to civilian life, Mr. Land joined the
Houston Independent School District, where he initiated the Air
Force Junior ROTC program at Westbury High School; he was assigned
to serve as the lead student advocate in the School Administration
Division in 1994, and around that time, he was instrumental in
founding a program focused on helping African American and Hispanic
male students acquire important social and life skills;
additionally, he conducted workshops to address bullying,
violence, hazing, gang involvement, and other issues, and he
further gave back to area children through his support of the
Children's Defense Fund and his work as a popular "Read-Aloud"
guest at HYPE Freedom School; and
WHEREAS, A devout Christian from a young age, Mr. Land became
a member of Promised Land Christian Worship Center Church in 2004
and generously volunteered his time as director of the men's
ministry; he earned a bachelor's degree from the College of
Biblical Studies in 2005 and was an accomplished writer and
sought-after speaker on religious, military, educational, and
civic affairs; moreover, he was a prominent member of the Most
Worshipful Saint John Grand Lodge and Hadassah Grand Chapter and
had served as potentate of Arabia Shrine Temple No. 1; more
recently, he had been inducted into the Ancient and Primitive Rite
of Memphis-Misraïm, where he had the distinction of receiving his
95th degree as Grand Conservator General; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman married Betty Jean Riley on
October 22, 1966, and shared a rewarding relationship with her
until her passing; he was the father of three children, Janice,
Gregory, and Carlton, and was further blessed with the
companionship of a large extended family and many longtime friends;
and
WHEREAS, Carlton Land inspired countless people with his
earnest faith, his desire to make a difference, and his steadfast
service to his country and community, and he leaves behind a legacy
that will long be treasured by all those who held him dear; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Carlton Earl Land and
extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
children, Janice Barney and Gregory Riley; to his sister and
brother, Carolyn and Louis DeVaughn; to his sisters-in-law, Shirley
Land, Iola Fogle, and Diane Riley; to his brother-in-law, Luther
Burrell; to his special friend, Gail Revis; 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 Carlton
Land.