88R11027 BPG-D
By: Paxton S.R. No. 420
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The passing of Judge Carl E. F. Dally on October 19,
2022, at the age of 98, brought a profound loss to his family,
friends, and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Born to Emsley and Ethel Dally on January 22, 1924,
Carl Dally grew up in rural Merino, Colorado, with three younger
siblings, Robert, Louise, and Bernice; he attended Colorado A&M,
Michigan State University, and the University of Denver, where he
earned his bachelor's degree in economics and a law degree; coming
of age during World War II, he served in the European Theater from
1942 to 1945 as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps 57th Bomb Wing;
he returned to military service as a captain in the U.S. Air Force
during the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, While stationed at Bryan Air Force Base, Judge Dally
met a native Texan, the former Edith Carr, and fell in love; they
married in 1952, and the following year they were blessed with a
son, William "Bill" Carl Dally, born on his mother's birthday,
February 9; guided by the motto "happy wife, happy life," Judge
Dally settled permanently in Texas, yet he made it a point to visit
his family in Colorado every year; and
WHEREAS, Judge Dally began his career in Houston as an
assistant district attorney for Harris County; later, he became a
partner at Briscoe, Dally, & Shaffer, and he also lectured in
criminal law at South Texas College of Law; in 1971, he was
appointed a commissioner of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals;
when Texas voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1977 to
increase the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals from five to nine
judges, he was one of two commissioners who automatically became a
judge, and he served from 1978 to 1983; he took pride in his service
to the public, and his colleagues knew him for his integrity, work
ethic, and dedication to the rule of law; and
WHEREAS, From 1983 to 1993, Judge Dally served his fellow
Texans as the assistant state prosecuting attorney in the Office of
the State Prosecuting Attorney; he was also a visiting judge on the
Third Court of Appeals and wrote opinions and served as a mentor
until well into his 80s; and
WHEREAS, Christ was always at the center of his heart, and
Judge Dally enjoyed being a Sunday school teacher at Second Baptist
Church of Houston, a deacon at Hyde Park Baptist Church, and a
member of Austin Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Judge Dally's last and favorite job was being a
devoted and doting grandpa to his granddaughter, Laura, who had
hoped to introduce him to his great-granddaughter, Ella, who was
born less than a month after his passing; and
WHEREAS, Carl Dally made a lasting, positive difference
through his professional and civic contributions and devotion to
his family, and although he is deeply missed by those he left
behind, he will forever hold a special place in their hearts; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby pay tribute to the life of the Honorable Carl E. F. Dally and
extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his son,
William Carl Dally, and daughter-in-law, Cindy Laguna Dally; to his
granddaughter, Laura Dally Stowe, and her husband, Nathan Jay
Stowe; to his great-granddaughter, Ella Frances Stowe; and to all
others who mourn his passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this
day, it do so in memory of Judge Carl Dally.