TITLE: In memory of Thomas R. Early of The Woodlands.

SUMMARY: In memory of Thomas R. Early of The Woodlands.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, All who shared in the life of Thomas R. Early of The Woodlands were deeply saddened by his passing on April 23, 2021, at the age of 88; and WHEREAS, The son of Jacob and Myrtle Early, Tom Early was born in Borger on April 23, 1933, and he grew up with the companionship of his four older siblings, Ferrill, Cleland, Norvill, and Ethellea; as a teenager, he played sports and worked as a farm and ranch hand, construction worker, and roustabout in the oil fields; he graduated from Stinnett High School as salutatorian of his class and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in economics and government from The University of Texas, as well as a master's degree in economics and finance from the University of Houston; and WHEREAS, Mr. Early joined the United States Marine Corps in 1953 and served for eight years, attaining the rank of corporal; in civilian life, he enjoyed a successful career as chair and CEO of Surgimedics, which was the first business to locate in the Research Forest area; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Early was a trustee of the Spring Independent School District and the founding chair of the nonprofit Education for Tomorrow Alliance, and for many years, he was a member of U.S. Representative Kevin Brady's Service Academies Nominations Board; moreover, he played an instrumental role in the construction of the Texas Marine Medal of Honor Monument in Town Green Park, which was dedicated in 2007; and WHEREAS, Mr. Early married his high school sweetheart, Jeanine, on November 21, 1952, and the couple shared a rewarding union that spanned 64 years until her passing in 2016; he took great pride in his children, Steven, Jeff, and Jennifer, and with the passing years, he had the pleasure of seeing his family grow to include five grandchildren; a man of faith, he was a valued congregant of The Woodlands United Methodist Church; and WHEREAS, A proud military veteran and devoted family man, Tom Early will forever be a source of inspiration to those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Thomas R. Early and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his son, Jeff Early, and his wife, Brenda; to his daughter, Jennifer Early Kiser, and her husband, Gene; to his grandchildren, Joshua Kiser, Kathryn Early, Lauren Early, and her husband, Austin, Alyssa Early, and her husband, Kevin, and Jacob Kiser and his wife, Amanda; 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 Tom Early. Toth Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1804 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 29, 2021. Chief Clerk of the House