SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 740
In Memory
of
Carlos Everado Lerma
WHEREAS, Family and friends will long cherish their
memories of United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.)
Carlos Everado Lerma, who passed away on March 31, 2019, at the
age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Born in Kingsville on October 12, 1934, Carlos
Lerma was the son of Mauro and Francisca Lerma, and he was raised
with four siblings, Mauro, Lucila, Nilda, and Ninfa; a standout
athlete at Kingsville High School, he earned a football
scholarship to Texas Tech University, where he graduated with a
civil engineering degree; he began his career as a civil
engineering laboratory instructor at Texas Tech, and he later
worked for the State of Texas as an assistant highway project
engineer; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lerma subsequently joined the United States
Air Force, serving two tours in Southeast Asia as operations
officer for three squadrons; a skilled pilot, he received the
"Top Gun" title, and he flew 300 combat missions without losing a
plane or crew member; he ultimately retired at the rank of
lieutenant colonel, and he was recognized for his valiant efforts
with a number of commendations, including the Distinguished
Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 oak leaf
clusters, the Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters, and the
Vietnam Service Medal with oak leaf cluster; along the way, he
also obtained a master's degree in public administration through
the USAF Air War College; and
WHEREAS, Returning home to South Texas, Mr. Lerma was
named city manager of Kingsville, and during his distinguished
tenure, he helped secure millions of dollars in grants and
projects for the community; an esteemed civic leader, he was the
first Kleberg County resident to receive a Road Hand award from
the Texas Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Lerma enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Dr. Sandra Lanier-Lerma, with whom he
shared more than three decades of marriage; he took great pride
in his three children, Carlos, Lawrence, and Diana, and his
cherished family grew to include eight grandchildren, Gretchen,
Rachel, Elizabeth, Christopher, Cason, Caden, Haley, and Rhyan;
known for his sense of adventure, Mr. Lerma found pleasure in
fishing and hunting; and
WHEREAS, Carlos Lerma lived a rich and purposeful life
devoted to the service of his country and his community, and he
leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who
were fortunate enough to know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of United States
Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Carlos Everado Lerma and
extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Carlos Lerma.
Fallon, Lucio
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 15, 2019, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate