TITLE: In memory of the Honorable Gordon "Doc" Arnold Jr. of Austin.

SUMMARY: In memory of the Honorable Gordon "Doc" Arnold Jr. of Austin.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life filled with meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of the Honorable Gordon Arnold Jr. of Austin on May 23, 2015, at the age of 65; and WHEREAS, "Doc" Arnold was born to Marjorie Arnold Sitek and Gordon Arnold on September 8, 1949, in Richmond, Virginia; he attended Baylor University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a juris doctor degree, and then embarked on a long and successful career in the public arena; following law school, he worked initially as an attorney for the Terrell Independent School District and later for the City of Terrell; and WHEREAS, Desiring to do even more for his community, Mr. Arnold successfully sought election as a state representative in 1982 and held office from 1983 to 1985; during his tenure, he served on a number of committees, including the House Calendars Committee and the House Task Force on Indigent Health Care, of which he was vice chair; in 1985, he resigned his seat to become chief of staff to speaker of the house of representatives Gib Lewis; Mr. Arnold remained in that post until 1988, when he established a private law practice in Austin; over the ensuing years, he became a trusted advisor to clients in legislative, regulatory, and political matters; and WHEREAS, Doc Arnold was the devoted husband of Elaine Arnold, with whom he shared a marriage that spanned 26 years, and the loving father of Erin, Jeff, and Kaitlyn; always supportive of his children's interests, he coached Little League Baseball and served as president of the Booster Club at Anderson High School; he also served on several boards, including the McMurry University Board of Trustees; in his spare time, he enjoyed pursuing his passion for history and spending time in the out-of-doors; and WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan achieved a life that was rich in family, friends, and service to his state and his community, and those who were blessed to share in his love and affection will forever hold him close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Gordon Arnold Jr. and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Elaine Arnold; to his children, Erin, Jeff, and Kaitlyn Arnold; to his brother, Jeff Arnold, and his wife, Louise; to his sister, Marjorie McLaughlin, and her husband, John; to his sister-in-law Suzanne Martin and brother-in-law Kelly Martin; to his nieces and nephews, Megan, Wade, Emily, Julia, and Will Arnold, Rachael Morgan, and Travis, Preston, and Merritt Martin; to his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Betty Hardin; and to his other 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of the Honorable Gordon "Doc" Arnold Jr. Thompson of Harris Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 3419 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 30, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House