H.R. No. 107
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The citizens of Wise County lost a beloved resident
and civic leader with the passing of the Honorable Melton David Cude
on November 29, 2020, at the age of 65; and
WHEREAS, Melton Cude was born in Decatur on June 22, 1955, to
Milvern and Margaret Cude, and he grew up with a brother, Murray; he
was a member of the Class of 1973 at Decatur High School and
graduated with highest honors from Texas A&M University; in 1980,
he earned a juris doctor degree from Baylor Law; he began his career
as an attorney with the Decatur law firm of Woodruff, Fostel, Wren,
and Simpson; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated public servant, Mr. Cude was the
presiding judge of Wise County Court at Law No. 1 and was fulfilling
his ninth elected term at the time of his death; in total, he served
more than three decades, becoming one of the longest-tenured
elected officials in the county; for eight years, he also held the
title of judge advocate general with the Texas Army National Guard;
and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Judge Cude enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Arlena, with whom he shared a rewarding
marriage that spanned nearly four decades; he was the devoted
father of two children, David and Amy, and he took great pride in
his three grandchildren; a man of faith, he was a lifelong member of
First Baptist Church of Decatur, and he was actively engaged with
his community; and
WHEREAS, Although the untimely death of Judge Melton Cude has
brought profound sorrow to all who were privileged to know him, his
integrity and commitment to service will remain a lasting source of
inspiration; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Judge Melton David
Cude and extend deepest condolences to the members of his family: to
his wife, Arlena Cude; to his son, David Cude, and his wife,
Kristen; to his daughter, Amy Casares, and her husband, Noe; to his
grandchildren, Evanglynhnn and Nehemiah Casares and Jireh Grace
Cude; to his brother, Murray Cude; to his father-in-law, J. L.
Hesteande; and to his many other 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 Judge
Melton Cude.
King of Parker
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 107 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 10, 2021.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House