SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 42
In Memory
of
Lou Ethel Gaw
WHEREAS, Family and friends will long cherish their
memories of Lou Ethel Gaw of Marshall, who passed away on July 16,
2023, at the age of 94; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Ralph and Ida Ramey, the former
Lou Ramey was born in Gilmer on June 21, 1929; a standout student
at Gilmer High School, she was a member of several campus
organizations, and she graduated as valedictorian in 1946; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Gaw went on to receive a bachelor's degree in
Latin and English from The University of Texas at Austin, and she
later earned a master's degree from East Texas State University;
following a year teaching high school in San Angelo, she took a
job at the R. G. LeTourneau company, where she met her future
husband, William "Bill" Gaw Jr.; the couple wed in 1953; and
WHEREAS, In 1963, Mr. and Mrs. Gaw moved from Longview to
Marshall, and Mrs. Gaw went on to serve as both a full-time and
substitute teacher; active in her community, she gave generously
of her time and talents to numerous organizations; in addition to
her dedication to the Marshall Rotary Club, she was a founding
member of the Republican Women of Harrison County in 1968, and
she was involved in a number of conservative political groups;
she held local and state positions in the Texas Federation of
Republican Women and the Republican Party of Texas and served on
the Civic Center Advisory Board, as well as the boards of the
annual Marshall Days at the Capitol, the local library, the
Charter Commission, and the Marshall Regional Arts Council;
moreover, she brought a number of high-ranking officials,
including two U.S. presidents, to East Texas to speak with local
voters, and in 2000, she was chosen as the Outstanding Citizen of
the Year by the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Gaw shared a rewarding marriage with her
husband, who preceded her in death; they raised two children, Lee
and Kelly, and their treasured family grew to include their
grandchildren, Christopher, Halie, Michael, Ross, and Jay, as
well as their great-grandchildren, Ava and Tyler; a woman of
faith, Mrs. Gaw was a dedicated congregant of First Methodist
Church; in her leisure time, she enjoyed playing bridge; and
WHEREAS, Lou Gaw lived a life that was rich in family,
friends, and community service, and those who were privileged to
share in her love and affection will forever hold her close in
their hearts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
of Lou Ethel Gaw and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn
her passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Lou Gaw.
Hughes
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on November 30, 2023,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate