89R6657 AMB-D
By: Craddick H.C.R. No. 32
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the
passing of Lyman Bartlett Hotchkiss of Midland on October 27, 2024,
at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, The son of Dr. Dewitt H. Hotchkiss and Esther
Hotchkiss, Bart Hotchkiss was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on
November 24, 1943, and he grew up in Houston with the companionship
of his brother, Pete; he attended the Kinkaid School, and after
graduating from Culver Military Academy in Indiana, he continued
his education at Southwestern University, where he met his future
wife, the former Sharla Earl; the couple shared six decades of
marriage and welcomed into their family two children, Bret and
Erin, and three grandchildren, Brendan, Christopher, and
Elizabeth; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hotchkiss worked in sales in Houston and Lubbock
following his graduation from college, and in 1971, he and his
family moved to Midland; in the ensuing years, he sold computers and
ran a garage door company; he also earned his real estate license
and began buying and selling properties, managing rentals, and
flipping houses alongside his wife; in 1983, he opened Murray's
Deli in downtown Midland, followed by several other locations and a
bakery, and he went on to establish a retail business called The
Fire Place before retiring; and
WHEREAS, Engaged in his community, Mr. Hotchkiss gave
generously of his time by volunteering with his church, local
schools and PTAs, and a number of other organizations, including
Hospice of Midland, Keep Midland Beautiful, Master Gardeners, the
Museum of the Southwest, and United Way; in addition, he served on
the Midland City Council and as mayor pro tempore, and he further
distinguished himself as chair of the Midland Planning and Zoning
Commission, chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, and a
member of the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee; in his leisure hours,
he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his loved ones, and he
was known for his exceptional cooking skills; and
WHEREAS, Admired for his devotion to his family, his
generosity of spirit, and his joyous zest for life, Bart Hotchkiss
enriched the lives of all who knew him, and they will forever hold
him close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the memory of Lyman Bartlett Hotchkiss and
extend sincere condolences to his relatives 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Bart Hotchkiss.