86R28362 ST-D
By: Anchia H.R. No. 1309
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
a close with the passing of Larry Temple, executive director of the
Texas Workforce Commission, on January 5, 2019, at the age of 66;
and
WHEREAS, The son of Eugene and Lucille Temple, Larry Temple
grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, with the companionship of two
siblings, Judy and David; a graduate of St. Edward's University, he
began his career in Mississippi, working as a real estate agent and
petroleum landman before joining the Mississippi Department of
Human Services, where he held the post of deputy executive director
for five years; and
WHEREAS, In 1997, Mr. Temple was recruited to become the
director of welfare reform for the Texas Workforce Commission; he
was promoted to executive director in 2004, and he served the agency
with distinction in that position until the time of his passing;
renowned for his integrity, dedication, and exceptional
problem-solving skills, he was instrumental in helping TWC become a
national leader in workforce development, and he frequently advised
Congress and other states on best practices and employment policy;
and
WHEREAS, Among numerous other accomplishments, Mr. Temple
managed the TWC effort to aid the Louisiana Workforce Commission in
the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, even as Texas was managing its
own catastrophic damage from Hurricane Rita; one of the most
respected figures in his field, he served as president and as a
member of the board for the National Association of State Workforce
Agencies, and in 2018 he received the Lifetime Achievement Hand Up
Award from the American Institute for Full Employment; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Temple shared a rewarding marriage with his
wife, Benita; he was the proud father of two sons, Brad and Daniel,
and he had the pleasure of seeing his family grow to include his
daughters-in-law, Shirley and Erin, and his beloved grandchildren,
Patrick and Victoria; admired for his determination and his abiding
concern for others, he also possessed an engaging sense of humor
that was treasured by all who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Larry Temple was an exemplary public official whose
achievements made a positive difference in the lives of countless
Texans, and he leaves behind a record of service that will continue
to inspire his colleagues in the years ahead; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Larry Temple and
extend deepest 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 Larry
Temple.