88R14677 BPG-D
By: Manuel H.R. No. 344
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Honorable Joseph D. Deshotel of Beaumont served
the citizens of District 22 with great dedication for more than two
decades until his retirement in January 2023, following his 12th
term; and
WHEREAS, First elected in 1998, Representative Deshotel
became a strong voice for the needs of his district and the entire
Southeast Texas region; he developed great expertise in the
legislative process, and his collegiality, pragmatism, and
willingness to reach across the aisle made him an especially
effective lawmaker; moreover, he maintained a good working
relationship with leaders in the state's business sector; and
WHEREAS, Representative Deshotel assisted multiple House
speakers as a member of leadership teams; serving on numerous
committees, he chaired the Economic Development, Business and
Industry, and Land and Resource Management Committees, as well as
the House Select Committee on Texas Ports, Innovation and
Infrastructure; he co-chaired the Coastal Barrier System Committee
and served on the Select Committee on Hurricane Ike Storm
Devastation to the Texas Gulf; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Beaumont, Representative
Deshotel graduated from Lamar University and the Thurgood Marshall
School of Law; he served Lamar University as vice president for
administration and legal counsel, and he was appointed to its board
of regents by Governor Mark White, who also named him to the Job
Training Coordinating Council; deeply committed to civil rights,
Representative Deshotel organized Lamar's first NAACP chapter; he
was a member of the Beaumont City Council before running for state
office; a respected member of the business community, he founded a
general law practice; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his long career in public office,
Representative Deshotel made a positive difference in the lives of
countless Texans, and his contributions have earned him the lasting
respect and appreciation of his colleagues and fellow citizens
alike; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby honor former State Representative Joseph D.
Deshotel for his service and extend to him sincere best wishes for
continued happiness in the next exciting chapter of his life; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Representative Deshotel as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.