H.R. No. 1210
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life dedicated to the service of his nation and his
community drew to a close with the death of Randall County Judge
Ernie Houdashell on November 22, 2020, at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, Ernie Houdashell was born in Clarendon on November
21, 1946, to Ernest and Della Houdashell, and he grew up in Hedley
with two sisters, Pat and Loveta; and
WHEREAS, Answering his nation's call to duty, Mr. Houdashell
enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and served two tours of duty in
Vietnam with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company as a Huey
helicopter mechanic, crew chief, and door gunner; in 1968, he
received the Air Medal for flying more than 25 missions in hostile
territory within a six-day period, and he was honorably discharged
in February 1969; and
WHEREAS, Returning to civilian life, Mr. Houdashell was
employed by Bell Helicopter for four years, and he also studied
journalism at Amarillo College and earned a business degree at West
Texas State University; in 1973, he joined KGNC Radio as an
agricultural reporter, and he went on to cover agriculture
nationally with the Radio Farm Directors; in addition, he produced
a weekly agricultural report for radio stations in four states, the
American Cotton Network; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, Mr. Houdashell embarked on a new career in
politics, serving first as district director for U.S.
Representative Beau Bolter and then as district director for State
Representative John Smithee, a position he held until he was
elected as Randall County judge in 2002; as head of the Randall
County commissioners court for 18 years, he oversaw the creation of
a new justice center, a new Amarillo annex, and a new fire station
and events center, and he also played a leading role in the
development of the Randall County Veterans Park and the Panhandle
War Memorial; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Houdashell benefited from
the love and support of his wife of 50 years, Sandy, and he took
great pride in his three children, Scott, Clay, and Michele, and his
six grandchildren, Jordyn, Beck, Alexander, Indeh, Elizabeth, and
Bridger; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man, a proud veteran, and a true
champion for his community, Ernie Houdashell lived a rich and
purposeful life, and he leaves behind a legacy of service to others
that will continue to inspire all those who knew and loved him; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of the Honorable Ernie
Houdashell and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family and many
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 Ernie
Houdashell.
Smithee
Price
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1210 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 23, 2021.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House