TITLE: In memory of Robert Irwin "Bob" Kelly, former House parliamentarian and director of the Texas Legislative Council.

SUMMARY: In memory of Robert Irwin "Bob" Kelly, former House parliamentarian and director of the Texas Legislative Council.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Capitol community was deeply saddened by the loss of Robert Irwin Kelly, former parliamentarian of the Texas House of Representatives and director of the Texas Legislative Council, who passed away on December 9, 2021, at the age of 73; and WHEREAS, Born to R. D. "Dick" Kelly and Betty Kelly in Texarkana, Arkansas, on June 2, 1948, Bob Kelly grew up with a sister, Debra; he excelled as a student, athlete, Eagle Scout, and youth community leader, and along the way, he also took dance lessons, earning the nickname "the Dancing Bear"; after initially enrolling at the University of Arkansas on a football scholarship, he wisely transferred to The University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, Mr. Kelly joined the Texas Legislative Council as the "Xerox copy boy" and became a prot g  of Robert E. Johnson, then the agency's director and House parliamentarian; while learning the ins and outs of legislative procedure and strategy, Mr. Kelly was also embraced as a dear friend by the entire Johnson family; through hard work and dedication, he became assistant parliamentarian, and in 1981, Speaker Bill Clayton announced his appointment as parliamentarian; and WHEREAS, During his 21-year tenure as parliamentarian and director of the Texas Legislative Council, Mr. Kelly also served under Speakers Gib Lewis and Pete Laney; he taught rules classes, mentored hundreds of council employees and freshman lawmakers, and mediated battles between the political parties, demonstrating a rare, statesmanlike ability to help people overcome their differences; fiercely loyal to council staff, he was very protective when legislators publicly attributed a drafting error or undue delay to council staff; he was a brilliant tactician, choosing his battles carefully, and although he set an example of cordiality, he knew the value of a well-timed curse word, and he made it a point to remember when someone was untruthful or broke a promise; his efforts were always guided by respect for the constitutions of the United States and Texas, as well as a profound sense of public service; and WHEREAS, Mr. Kelly was committed to the long-term success of the Legislature; he oversaw the introduction of computers and information technology to the legislative branch, and he was instrumental in the development of the Robert E. Johnson Office Building as a proper permanent home for the legislative support agencies; in retirement, he continued to serve as a wise elder, providing counsel to parliamentarians, legislators, and staff alike; and WHEREAS, Mr. Kelly enjoyed many interests in his free time; an avid golfer, he was a longtime member of Onion Creek Club; he spent many happy hours hunting birds in Mexico and Port O'Connor in the company of friends, and he maintained a private pilot's license for years; he was a member of the board of the Coastal Conservation Association Texas, a lifetime member of the Texas Trophy Hunters Association, and a proud member of the Masonic Lodge; and WHEREAS, Above all, Mr. Kelly was devoted to his wife, Susan Stewart; they traveled, dined, and entertained extensively, but their most treasured moments were spent together on their QA Ranch outside Seguin, where the couple had settled near Mr. Kelly's dear friend, the late Representative Edmund Kuempel; in his retirement years, Mr. Kelly delighted in managing the ranch and watching the deer and other critters; following his passing, he was laid to rest shoulder-to-shoulder with iconic musician Jerry Jeff Walker at the Texas State Cemetery, where the two of them no doubt entertain one another with songs and yarns, and indulge in an occasional Lone Star; and WHEREAS, Bob Kelly dedicated his long and noteworthy career to the betterment of Texas, earning the lasting respect and admiration of all who were privileged to know him, and his contributions to state government will continue to resonate for many years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Robert Irwin Kelly and extend sincere condolences to all 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 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bob Kelly. Kuempel Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2411 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 29, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House