TITLE: In memory of Ervin Gafford Clower.

SUMMARY: In memory of Ervin Gafford Clower.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Family and friends will forever cherish their memories of Ervin Gafford Clower of the Lake Devernia community in Longview, who passed away on May 6, 2023, at the age of 102; and WHEREAS, The son of Johnathan Shelby Clower and Virginia Lee Gafford Clower, Ervin Clower was born in Paducah on November 9, 1920, and he grew up with the companionship of five siblings, Earl, Johnathan, Virginia, Mary Anna, and Alice Cathryn; he graduated from Matador High School in 1939; and WHEREAS, Answering his nation's call to duty, Mr. Clower joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in January 1943, and he served in Italy during World War II; a flight engineer and gunner on the Merry Barbara aircraft, his assignments included a bombing mission over Ploesti, Romania, that resulted in an emergency landing in the Adriatic Sea; after surviving 24 hours in the ocean, he was rescued by a fisherman and taken to Bari, Italy; he was discharged in September 1945 and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and the Air Medal; and WHEREAS, Returning to Texas, Mr. Clower earned a bachelor's degree in geology from Texas Christian University; he went on to enjoy a rewarding career with Natural Gas Pipeline, where he worked as a geologist for many years before his retirement in 1980; and WHEREAS, Mr. Clower shared a fulfilling union with his wife, the former Ouita Lois Burrell, that spanned seven decades before her passing; he took great pride in their three children, Daniel, David, and Lynda, and over the years, he was further blessed with seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family and his country, Ervin Clower earned the lasting respect and admiration of all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Ervin Gafford Clower and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his family: to his sister, Alice Cathryn Gazaway; to his sons, Daniel Clower and his wife, Nicholette, and David Clower and his partner, Martin Hart; to his daughter, Lynda Clower and her husband, Jim Andree; to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and friends; 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 Ervin Clower. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 28, 2023, by a rising vote.