TITLE: In memory of Ewald Edward Koepp Jr. of La Vernia.

SUMMARY: In memory of Ewald Edward Koepp Jr. of La Vernia.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, La Vernia lost an admired civic leader with the passing of former mayor Ewald Edward Koepp Jr. on March 20, 2016, at the age of 86; and WHEREAS, The son of E. O. and Theresa Koepp, "Junior" Koepp was born on February 3, 1930; he played football as a student at La Vernia High School and Texas Lutheran University, and he served his country in the U.S. military during the Korean War; following in his father's footsteps, he began working in the automotive industry at an early age, and in 1969, he took over the family business, Koepp Chevrolet; he dedicated himself to providing top-notch customer service and the dealership flourished; he also took pride in his role as developer of the Silverado Hills and Westover subdivisions; and WHEREAS, Mr. Koepp served his community in numerous leadership roles; during 14 years as mayor, he oversaw the paving of roads and the installation of a sewer system, among other improvements; he further served as a member of the county school board and Wilson County appraisal board and as an officer in the volunteer fire department; a founder of the La Vernia Chamber of Commerce and the Greater La Vernia Chamber of Commerce, he was an active member of the Lions Club, Sons of Hermann, and American Legion; he benefited youth as a scout leader, and he was a past master of Masonic Lodge No. 226 and a member of Alzahar Temple; committed to conservative values, he organized the Wilson County Republican Party and served as chair for a dozen years; and WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Mr. Koepp married Jewel Helmke on April 10, 1955, and they became the parents of two sons, Dwight and Hiram, and a daughter, Melissa; eventually, he was blessed with nine grandchildren, Eric, Andrew, Lauren, Jessica, Elise, Alexandria, Travis, Parker, and Ryan; sustained by a strong faith, Mr. Koepp was a valued member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he served as councilman and as a member of the cemetery committee; following his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with friends and relatives, working cattle on his ranch, fishing, hunting, and pursuing his great passion, taking care of the land; and WHEREAS, Junior Koepp gave freely of his time and expertise to better his community, and his selfless example of public service and civic engagement remains a source of inspiration to all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Ewald Edward Koepp Jr. and extend sincere condolences to his family 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 Junior Koepp. Guillen Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 135 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on November 1, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House