84R7960 KSM-D
By: Wu H.R. No. 352
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Family and friends will long cherish their memories
of Martin Kerner of Houston, who passed away on September 30, 2014,
at the age of 66; and
WHEREAS, Marty Kerner was born in New York City on October 9,
1947, to Alma and Paul Kerner; after moving to Texas, he attended
Bellaire High School and went on to graduate from the University of
Houston with a degree in political science; and
WHEREAS, For much of his career, Mr. Kerner served as a vice
president at TranspoTrade International, a freight forwarding
company, and his work afforded him extensive opportunities for
world travel; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by John F. Kennedy, Mr. Kerner devoted
countless hours to political activism, supporting the causes in
which he believed and remaining enthusiastic and involved despite
the challenges he faced as a progressive in a conservative majority
state; he was a cofounder and vice president of the Sharpstown
Democrats Club in Houston, and in 2012, he served as a delegate to
the Democratic National Convention; a stalwart of his party, he is
fondly remembered for his sharp wit and for his acute insights into
political campaigns; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kerner took great pride in Rice University and
contributed to its athletics program through his longtime
membership in the Owl Club; he even persuaded his daughter,
Michelle, to attend Rice by taking her as a child to the school's
football games; in addition to being a loyal Rice fan, he was an
ardent baseball enthusiast; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman was a member of Congregation
Beth Yeshurun for many years and was a staunch supporter of the
State of Israel; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to his family, generous to his friends, and
passionately engaged in the world around him, Marty Kerner is
dearly missed, and those who were blessed to share in his love and
affection will forever hold him close in their hearts; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Martin Kerner and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
daughter, Michelle Kerner Arnold and her husband, Frank; to his
brother, Howard Kerner and his wife, Renee; to his nephew, Paul
Kerner; 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 Martin
Kerner.