TITLE: Honoring William Gerald Baldree on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

SUMMARY: Honoring William Gerald Baldree on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, William Gerald Baldree of Gladewater celebrated his first 100 years on September 17, 2020, at a birthday party attended by family members and a large circle of admirers; and WHEREAS, Born in 1920, William Baldree came of age during World War II and served his country as a major in the United States Army Air Forces; he flew B-17 bombers in the European theater, and on his 33rd mission, his plane was shot down; for 11 months, he was held captive in a German prisoner of war camp; he went on to serve in the Korean War as well during a 25-year military career; and WHEREAS, Mr. Baldree married the former Nell Wyatt, and they became the parents of two children, William G. "Jerry" Baldree and Sherry Baldree Weyer; in 1990, he wed the former Vada Rhodes Blankinship, and their union brought him three stepdaughters, Vickie, Valrie, and Vonnie, as well as a stepson, William; he and his wife enjoyed traveling the United States together before buying a goat ranch in Brackettville; and WHEREAS, In retirement, the Baldrees settled in Gilmer to be near relatives; Mrs. Baldree passed away in 2018; today, Mr. Baldree is the beloved patriarch of a large extended family that includes many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the strong faith that sustains him is an inspiration to his loved ones; and WHEREAS, William Baldree has witnessed a panorama of change over the course of a century, and he has met life's challenges and opportunities with dignity and grace, earning the deep admiration of all who are privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby congratulate William Gerald Baldree on his 100th birthday and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Mr. Baldree as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 9, 2021.