SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 711
In Memory
of
Walter Derrick
WHEREAS, The citizens of Gladewater are mourning the loss
of a beloved public servant, friend, and neighbor with the
passing of former mayor Walter Derrick on April 1, 2019, at the
age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Born in Gilmer on April 8, 1930, Walter Derrick
graduated as valedictorian of Weldon High School in Gladewater;
he served his country as a member of the United States Army, and
he later resumed his education and earned bachelor's and master's
degrees from Texas College in Tyler, in addition to undertaking
studies at Huston-Tillotson College, Stephen F. Austin State
University, East Tennessee State College, and The University of
Texas at Tyler; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Derrick was hired as a teacher and coach for
the Gladewater Independent School District, and he led the
football team of his alma mater, Weldon High, to a 1968 state
finals berth in the Prairie View Interscholastic League; he
further distinguished himself by becoming the first African
American coach hired at Gladewater High School; later, he ran for
a seat on the Gladewater City Council, where he served for 22
years and as mayor pro tempore for 15 years; his public service
career culminated with a four-year term as the city's first
African American mayor and subsequently ended with his
retirement from public office in 2012; in recent years, a street
in the city was named in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in
Gladewater, Mayor Derrick was instrumental in the creation of
Bumblebee Park and in a host of other major improvement projects;
he was also active with the East Texas Council of Governments,
Gladewater Habitat for Humanity, and myriad other groups, and he
was involved in distributing as much as $100,000 in scholarships
to local students through his work on the Gladewater Round-Up
Rodeo Association Board of Trustees; a man of faith, he served as
a treasurer and as deacon board chair at Pine Grove Missionary
Baptist Church in Gilmer; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mayor Derrick was blessed
with the love and support of his wife of 63 years, EverGrace
Derrick, and his children, Lanita Derrick-Smith, Rory Derrick,
and the late Eduardo Derrick, who preceded his father in death;
he took special pride in his grandchildren, Derrick, Andree',
Damien, Dana, Kamryn, Aubry, and Ebony, and great-grandchildren,
Amillion and Damien; and
WHEREAS, Walter Derrick cared deeply about his community
and gave generously of his time and talents to make it a better
place for all, and though he is greatly missed, his legacy lives
on in the hearts of the many people whose lives he touched; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Walter Derrick
and extend sincere sympathy to his relatives and many friends;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Senate adjourns this
day, it do so in memory of Walter Derrick.
Hughes
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 8, 2019, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate