SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 420
In Memory
of
Carl Dally
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 State of Texas, 88th
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.
Paxton
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 17, 2023, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate