TITLE: In memory of Ernest Zachary Clouser of Houston.

SUMMARY: In memory of Ernest Zachary Clouser of Houston.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the death of Ernest Zachary Clouser of Houston on December 6, 2010, at the age of 88; and WHEREAS, Ernest Clouser was born in Galveston on September 28, 1922, to John and Hazel Clouser; after graduating from Central High School, he earned a bachelor's degree from Prairie View Normal and Industrial College in 1943 and a master's degree from Texas Southern University in 1952; he later undertook postgraduate studies at Arizona State University; and WHEREAS, For three decades, Mr. Clouser was an educator with the Houston Independent School District; he was the first person to head the commercial education department at Phillis Wheatley High School, where he taught typing, bookkeeping, business law, and stenography; he went on to serve as the assistant principal at Burrus and Harper Junior High Schools, and in 1961 he was appointed principal at Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School, a post he held for nearly two decades before retiring in 1979; in addition to his work in education, he was an insurance agent with Atlanta Life Insurance in Galveston; and WHEREAS, This dedicated civic leader served his community in a variety of roles; he was a voter precinct judge, the chair of the Transportation Committee for the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce, the president of the Southwood Civic Club, and a member of the board of Julius C. Hester House; a life member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver and an honorary member of the Phillis Wheatley Alumni Association, he was also active in the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, the Galveston Historical Society, the Texas Good Roads/Transportation Association, the Prairie View Alumni Association, the Houston Professional Administrators, and the Harris County Council of Organizations; and WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Clouser enjoyed the love and support of his wife, the former Margaret Phelps, and over the course of their 67 years together, the couple was blessed with two sons, Ernest and Joel, and seven grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Through hard work and an abiding concern for others, Ernest Clouser made a significant contribution to the lives of his fellow citizens, and he leaves behind a record of service that his loved ones can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Ernest Zachary Clouser and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Margaret Phelps Clouser; to his sons, Ernest Frederick Clouser and Joel C. Clouser and his wife, Gloria; to his brothers, John Zachary Clouser and Gerald Zachary Clouser and his wife, Izora; to his seven grandchildren and his 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 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Ernest Zachary Clouser. Coleman Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 964 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 7, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House