TITLE: In memory of longtime Ennis volunteer firefighter Jodie Harbert, Jr.

SUMMARY: In memory of longtime Ennis volunteer firefighter Jodie Harbert, Jr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Citizens of Ennis are mourning the loss of Jodie Harbert, Jr., who passed away on February 10, 2011, at the age of 85; and WHEREAS, Born in Denison to Jodie Harbert, Sr., and Julia Mayes on March 12, 1925, Jodie Harbert later moved to Ennis with his family; he attended Prairie View A&M University and then returned to his hometown, taking a job at Ennis Business Forms in 1946; he enjoyed a 44-year career with the company before his retirement; and WHEREAS, Mr. Harbert also began his long association with the Ennis Fire Department in 1946; this dedicated volunteer firefighter was universally held in high esteem by the firefighters with whom he served; often one of the first to arrive at fires in rural areas, he was known for his dependability, his willingness to pitch in wherever he was needed, and his wealth of knowledge about the city and county he served; he had accumulated 50 years of service by 1996, when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the fire department, and he was named Firefighter of the Year by the North Texas Firefighters Association in 2008; he gave a total of 63 years as a volunteer to the Ennis Fire Department, reaching the rank of lieutenant; and WHEREAS, In addition to his service to the fire department, Mr. Harbert participated in numerous community events and volunteered his time to his church, to the local cemetery, and to any friends and neighbors who needed help; and WHEREAS, He shared a long and happy marriage with his wife, Edwinna, who passed away in 2000, and he also enjoyed the love and support of a son, Jodie; and WHEREAS, Known for his kindness, optimism, and sense of humor, Jodie Harbert demonstrated the positive difference that one committed individual can make in the lives of others, and he will be remembered with deep admiration and affection by those fortunate enough to have known him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Jodie Harbert, Jr., and extend sincere sympathy to his son, Jodie Harbert III and his wife, Denise, and to all who mourn the death of this beloved Texan; 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 Jodie Harbert, Jr. Pitts Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 884 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 7, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House