TITLE: In memory of Mervis Lowery of Etoile.

SUMMARY: In memory of Mervis Lowery of Etoile.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The city of Etoile lost an esteemed community leader with the passing of Mervis Lynn Lowery on December 22, 2015, at the age of 81; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Etoile, Mervis Lowery was born to E. O. and Agnes Lowery on September 7, 1934; he initially followed in his father's footsteps by taking a position with the Texas Forest Service but later enjoyed a rewarding career at the paper mill in Lufkin; and WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Mr. Lowery devoted his time to a number of worthy organizations, including the Etoile Water Board and the Nacogdoches Civic Center Board; he also played a key role in establishing the town's medical clinic and volunteer fire department and in helping ensure that area first responders were trained and certified; he proudly served as a volunteer firefighter, and after becoming a hazardous material technician with Southland Response in 2004, he worked at spill sites throughout East Texas with personnel from local fire departments, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Texas Department of Public Safety; and WHEREAS, For 18 years, Mr. Lowery served on the board of the Nacogdoches County Hospital District, supporting the district's employees and emergency medical services, and he campaigned for the establishment of a helipad on the Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital campus, a project that came to fruition in 2016; and WHEREAS, Affectionately known as the "Mayor of Etoile," Mervis Lowery set an inspiring example of civic engagement, and his invaluable contributions to the Lone Star State will be remembered and admired for years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Mervis Lynn Lowery and extend sincere condolences to his family and 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Mervis Lowery. Clardy Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 309 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on February 23, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House