85S11230 ALB-D
By: Wu H.R. No. 155
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The passing of Judge Earl Kent Ellis of Houston on
July 2, 2017, at the age of 78, concluded a life of professional
achievement and dedicated public service; and
WHEREAS, Born in Neosho, Missouri, on November 24, 1938, to
Jewell William and Irene Lucille Ellis, Kent Ellis grew up on his
family's farm outside of Dill City, Oklahoma; on New Year's Day in
1960, he exchanged wedding vows with the former Oreta Cammell, and
the couple went on to enjoy 57 rewarding years of marriage; they
became the proud parents of three children, Mark, Angela, and
James, and were blessed later in life with eight grandchildren and
two great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ellis graduated from The University of Texas at
Austin before earning his law degree from the South Texas College of
Law in Houston; from 1980 to 1985, he served as an assistant
district attorney in the Harris County District Attorney's Office,
and he subsequently entered private practice as an attorney for
several years; in 1994, he won election as a state district judge in
the state's 315th District Court, which specializes in juvenile
cases; voters returned him to office in 1998 and 2002, and during
his 12 years of exemplary service, he gained a reputation as a fair
and compassionate jurist; and
WHEREAS, A man of strong faith, Judge Ellis served for many
years as a minister and elder in various Church of Christ
congregations in Oklahoma and Texas offering helpful guidance to
numerous individuals as they pursued their spiritual paths; he drew
on his vast knowledge of the Bible to deliver eloquent and inspiring
sermons, and he was likewise an exceptional writer on various
topics related to the Christian faith; and
WHEREAS, Judge Kent Ellis made a meaningful difference in
countless lives, and his unwavering commitment to his profession,
his faith, and his loved ones will be remembered and admired for
years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
Judge Earl Kent Ellis and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family
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 Judge Kent
Ellis.