TITLE: In memory of E. C. Locklear.

SUMMARY: In memory of E. C. Locklear.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The life of a respected public servant, entrepreneur, and family man drew to a close with the passing of E. C. Locklear on March 2, 2013, at the age of 87; and WHEREAS, A native of El Dorado, Arkansas, E. C. Locklear was born to Dewey and Sarah Locklear on April 4, 1925; he grew up in Arp, Texas, and met his future wife, Hazel Nina Hune, when both were still children; they were married in 1943, shortly before he entered the United States Army; he served in the European-African-Middle Eastern theater during World War II and then took part in the occupation of Japan as part of the 24th Infantry Division; while stationed in Japan, he played tackle for his division's football team and was named an all-star for his outstanding performance; after returning to the United States, he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War and ably served his nation in that conflict; and WHEREAS, Mr. Locklear went on to pursue a career in law enforcement and graduated from Texas Highway Patrol Training School in 1954; assigned to a duty station in Kermit, he patrolled about 500 miles of state and county roads in Winkler and Loving Counties, often as the only highway patrol officer in the area; he earned his scuba diving certification in order to assist with search and rescue missions and later patrolled the roads around Fort Stockton; a prominent figure in the region, he was known for his trademark sunglasses and cigar, and he earned a reputation as a tough but fair officer of the law; and WHEREAS, After retiring from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Mr. Locklear was twice elected as county judge in Winkler County, serving for a total of eight years; he moved to Del Rio in 1979 and operated Fisherman's Headquarters, and he made many friends among anglers and local fishing guides; in the later years of his life, he divided his time between Del Rio and his property in the Davis Mountains, an area he dearly loved for its beauty and tranquility as well as for the fellowship he enjoyed at Davis Mountain Community Church; and WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Locklear was supported by a loving family, which included his wife, Hazel, and his daughters, Nina and Susan; and WHEREAS, E. C. Locklear possessed a strength of character and a generosity of spirit that won him the admiration of many people, and he is deeply missed by all those whose lives were enriched by his love and friendship; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of E. C. Locklear and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Hazel Locklear; to his daughters, Nina Earles and her husband, Leon, and Susan Meek; to his grandchildren, Donita Bowden and her husband, Thomas, Brian Earles and his wife, Kameron, and Patrick Earles and his wife, Caroline; to his great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Jordan and Annaka Earles; 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 E. C. Locklear. Lewis Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1538 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 24, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House