87R25607 BPG-D
By: Morrison H.R. No. 1106
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Citizens of Victoria lost an admired member of the
business community with the passing of Earley Elton Calhoun Jr. on
May 2, 2021, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, The son of Mildred Stapleton Calhoun and Earley
Elton Calhoun Sr., Elton Calhoun was born in Trout, Louisiana, on
June 3, 1945, and grew up with five sisters, Hilda, Mildred, Margie,
Johnny, and Georgia, and a brother, Charles; he attended Yazoo City
High School in Mississippi and planned to work with his father in
the construction business, until Holmes Junior College offered him
a football scholarship; transforming from an indifferent to an
industrious student, he became the first college graduate in his
family, earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from
Louisiana Tech University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Calhoun was employed for seven years by the
Union Carbide Corporation and then went into business as a partner
in Sparkman Industries; later, he joined Regional Steel, and in
1986, he became owner and president of the company; and
WHEREAS, Understanding the important role of community
colleges, Mr. Calhoun dedicated himself to expanding access to
higher education as a member of the board of the Victoria College
Foundation, which has provided scholarships to numerous area
students; moreover, he gave generously of his time and talents
through his service on various other boards and organizations; he
was a valued congregant of First United Methodist Church as well;
and
WHEREAS, On June 1, 1968, Mr. Calhoun married the former
Merle Ann Owen, and they were blessed with three children, Sherry,
Craig, and Jennifer; he eventually became "Deda" to nine
grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan, Mattie, Emily, Kate, Adam, Avery,
Patrick, and Hayley, and watching them pursue their interests and
participate in activities gave him his greatest delight; in
addition, he enjoyed fishing, playing golf, and traveling around
the world with his wife; and
WHEREAS, Elton Calhoun lived a rich and purposeful life
centered around his family and his community, and he will be
remembered with deep affection by all who were fortunate enough to
know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Earley Elton Calhoun
Jr. and extend sincere condolences to his loved ones; 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 Elton
Calhoun.