H.R. No. 2216
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The city of Tomball lost an admired civic leader
with the passing of former mayor Harold Gene Harrington on May 17,
2016, at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, The son of Newman and Gladys Harrington, "Hap"
Harrington was born in Weldon on September 29, 1934, and grew up
with the companionship of his sister, Carol; he graduated with the
Class of 1953 at Stephen F. Austin High School in Houston, and he
went on to earn a master's degree in education from Sam Houston
State University; in college, he distinguished himself as a member
of the football team, helping lead the Bearkats to state and
national championships and to their only undefeated season in
school history; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Harrington began his career in education as a
teacher and coach before transitioning to school administration; he
served as assistant vice principal and principal at McAllen High
School and then as principal of Klein High School; he was later
installed as superintendent of the Tomball Independent School
District in 1980; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to public service, Mr. Harrington entered
politics in 1992 with his election as mayor of Tomball, and he ably
served in that office for five terms; he also represented his
community as a member of the board of the Southeast Texas Housing
Authority; in recognition of his outstanding efforts, he was
selected as the 1990 Tomball Citizen of the Year; and
WHEREAS, A man of strong faith, Mr. Harrington was a longtime
congregant of Salem Lutheran Church; in his leisure hours, he
enjoyed watching sports, gardening, painting, and woodworking; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Harrington shared a fulfilling marriage with
his wife of more than four decades, Shirley; over the years, he
became the proud father of three children, Nina, Kenneth, and
Douglas, and he was further blessed with two stepdaughters, Sherron
and Julie, as well as eight grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Through his vision, leadership, and selfless
commitment to the well-being of others, Hap Harrington made a
lasting, positive difference in Tomball, and although he is deeply
missed, his love for his community will continue to inspire his
fellow citizens for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Harold Gene
Harrington and extend heartfelt sympathy to his 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 Harold Gene
Harrington.
Oliverson
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2216 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 25, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House