TITLE: In memory of Leonard Harcrow of Big Sandy.

SUMMARY: In memory of Leonard Harcrow of Big Sandy.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The life of an admired educator and a friend to many drew to a close with the passing of Leonard Harcrow of Big Sandy on May 10, 2025, at the age of 92; and WHEREAS, Born in Delta County on July 23, 1932, Leonard Harcrow grew up with three sisters and graduated from Cooper High School; he earned his bachelor's degree from East Texas State University in 1955 and his master's degree in 1972, and after beginning student teaching in Winnsboro, he taught in the West Delta, Dallas, and Mount Pleasant Independent School Districts; he had a strong belief in trade education, and as an administrator in Mount Pleasant, he set up a vocational program that was recognized as the best in the state; dedicated to his profession, he served as president of the Texas Vocational Administrators and Supervisors Association; he retired in 1990 but went on to work for another decade as a security guard for Texas Utilities; and WHEREAS, Mr. Harcrow served his community in a number of capacities, including as president of the Mount Pleasant Kiwanis Club and as a board member of the Titus County Child Protective Services; in addition, he was a valued congregant of Friendly Baptist Church in Tyler and the Pathfinders Sunday school class; he loved gardening and always grew enough vegetables to share with friends; and WHEREAS, Devoted to his family, Mr. Harcrow was the father of a daughter, Andrea, and two sons, Jim and Timothy; following the passing of his first wife, Margaret, he was fortunate enough to find love a second time, and he and OraLee Harcrow shared a fulfilling marriage of 25 years; and WHEREAS, Although Leonard Harcrow is deeply missed, he has left his family and friends with a wealth of memories that they will forever treasure; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Leonard Harcrow and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, OraLee Harcrow; to his children, Andrea Whittle and her husband, Jack, Jim Harcrow, and Timothy Harcrow and his wife, Becky; to his stepchildren, Donna and Jimmy Trantham and James "Andy" Reed; to his 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and to his many 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 Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Leonard Harcrow. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 31, 2025, by a rising vote.