TITLE: Honoring Norman F. Porter Sr. of Pleasanton for his contributions to the promotion and preservation of Texas history.

SUMMARY: Honoring Norman F. Porter Sr. of Pleasanton for his contributions to the promotion and preservation of Texas history.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Norman F. Porter Sr. has dedicated much of his life to the promotion and preservation of the history of Atascosa County and the State of Texas, and his efforts in educating the public as a school teacher, coach, administrator, and county historian merit special recognition; and WHEREAS, Mr. Porter began elementary school in Jourdanton and graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1950; he attended college on a series of football scholarships but interrupted his studies to serve in the United States Army; following his return to civilian life, he completed a bachelor of science degree in education at Texas State University in 1957, and he received a master's degree in the same discipline in 1965; and WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan began teaching and coaching at Pleasanton Junior High School in 1956; he continued to work at the school as a coach, history teacher, and administrator for 35 years before retiring as principal in 1991; and WHEREAS, A keen historian, Mr. Porter served as president of the Longhorn Museum Society for 10 years, and in that capacity he helped to restore the San Antonio, Uvalde, and Gulf Railroad Depot; he later served as vice president of the 2006 Atascosa Sesquicentennial Committee, as president of the Pleasanton Cemetery Association, and, for 12 years, as chair of the Atascosa County Historical Commission; during his tenure on the commission, he wrote many historical narratives to obtain Official Texas Historical Markers; in 2007, he published a book, Atascosa County History through 1912,bringing to life the county's rich history and culture; and WHEREAS, In recognition of his many contributions to the community, the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce named Mr. Porter Man of the Year in 1990 and Senior Citizen of the Year in 2005 and 2011; and WHEREAS, Time and again, Norman Porter has demonstrated his enthusiasm for Texas history, and his myriad contributions to Atascosa County and the Lone Star State have earned him the respect and gratitude of many of his fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby commend Norman F. Porter Sr. for his outstanding work as a school teacher, coach, administrator, and county historian and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Porter as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Guillen Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 657 was adopted by the House on March 5, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House