TITLE: In memory of former state representative Frank Kell Cahoon of Midland.

SUMMARY: In memory of former state representative Frank Kell Cahoon of Midland.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The certain knowledge of a life well lived may temper the sorrow felt at the passing of former state representative Frank Kell Cahoon of Midland on January 31, 2013, at the age of 78; and WHEREAS, Born on June 20, 1934, in Austin, Frank Cahoon was raised in Wichita Falls, where he received early lessons in both entrepreneurship and community service from his grandfather and namesake, Frank Kell, one of the city's early pioneers and leaders; after graduating from high school, he enrolled at the Colorado School of Mines, and then transferred to The University of Texas at Austin after being introduced to his future wife, Paula Powers, while working in the Texas oil fields the summer after his freshman year; and WHEREAS, The couple married in 1957, and after Mr. Cahoon earned his bachelor's degree in geology, they moved to Killeen, where he was stationed at Fort Hood as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; in 1959, the family moved to Midland; and WHEREAS, Mr. Cahoon was elected to represent Midland in the Texas House of Representatives in 1964 and held the distinction of being the only Republican to serve during the 1965 legislative session; he was reelected for a second term before returning home to Midland and pursuing his career as a petroleum entrepreneur, which led to his playing a prominent role in the construction of one of Alaska's first oil refineries and in numerous local energy investments; his service to this state also continued, as he was later appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; and WHEREAS, This amiable and genteel West Texan was an active and generous supporter of the civic and cultural life of his home community, as well; he served on the Midland City Council and in various volunteer and leadership roles with the Midland Memorial Hospital, the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, the Museum of the Southwest, the Texas Historical Foundation, the Chihuahuan Desert Ranch Institute, and the First Presbyterian Church; in addition, he took great pride in volunteering and fund-raising for the Commemorative Air Force and the Sibley Nature Center; and WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his family, Mr. Cahoon was married to his wife, Paula, for 56 years, and together they took the greatest delight in their children and grandchildren; known for his warmth and witty storytelling, Mr. Cahoon had a passion for history and was an avid traveler, a hobby he shared with his family while taking them on trips to the far reaches of the globe; and WHEREAS, Frank Kell Cahoon leaves a legacy of leadership and generosity that will continue to benefit and inspire the people in this state for years to come, and he will be remembered with deep affection and admiration by all who were fortunate enough to share in the richness of his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas pay tribute to the life of the Honorable Frank Kell Cahoon and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Paula Cahoon; to his children, Corinne Bowers and her husband, Steve, Frank Kell Cahoon, Jr., and his wife, Debbie, and Joseph Cahoon and his wife, Christie; to his grandchildren, Sara Kell and Beth Bowers and Lucas, Charlie, Claire, John, and Anne Cahoon; to his beloved sister, Lula Jane Seydell; 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of the Honorable Frank Kell Cahoon. Craddick President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 75 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 20, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 75 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the Senate on April 25, 2013. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor