H.R. No. 1203
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the
death of Earl B. Middleton Sr. of Houston on April 9, 2021, at the
age of 94; and
WHEREAS, The son of Howard and Ninnie Middleton, Earl
Middleton was born in Centerville on August 23, 1926, and grew up
with nine siblings, Howard, Bernard, Mary, James, Herod, J. D.,
Frank, Leon, and Gladys; he graduated from Phillis Wheatley High
School in Houston and attended Texas Southern University; answering
his nation's call to duty, he served in the U.S. Army and Air Force;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Middleton enjoyed a varied career that included
owning and operating a dump truck business, helping to run a school
bus business, and employment with the U.S. Postal Service; he also
held long and rewarding tenures with the Ethel Oil and Gas Company
and Cages Medical Services, working into his 90s; moreover, for
many years, he published The Sales Slip News, and he was a founding
member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Black Heritage
Committee; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Middleton benefited from
the love and support of his wife, the former Alma Billups, with whom
he shared more than six and a half decades of marriage before her
passing; he was the devoted father of five children, Cynthia,
Christopher, Rodney, Bruce, and Earl, and through the years, he was
further blessed with two grandchildren, CeDaniel and Christina, and
three great-grandchildren, Mercedes, Terrell, and Casey; his
circle of loved ones also included numerous nieces, nephews,
in-laws, and extended family members; a man of faith, he took an
active role in Greater Oak Grove Baptist Church, Gospel Hill
Baptist Church, and New Mount Carmel Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Although Earl Middleton is deeply missed, this
beloved man has left his family and friends with many cherished
memories, and he will long be remembered with great affection and
admiration; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Earl B. Middleton
Sr. and extend sincere 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 Earl B.
Middleton Sr.
Dutton
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1203 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 23, 2021.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House