TITLE: In memory of Kenton Dale Harris.

SUMMARY: In memory of Kenton Dale Harris.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Family and friends will forever treasure their memories of Kenton Dale Harris of Friendswood, who died on March 9, 2021, at the age of 88; and WHEREAS, Kenton Harris was born on July 4, 1932, in Kingman, Kansas, to Delbert and Florence Harris, and he grew up with four siblings, Leland, Marjorie, Maxine, and Richard; an impressive athlete, he played football and was named an All-State running back at Cheney High School; he went on to play varsity football at Friends University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1953; while subsequently coaching at William Penn University, he earned a master's degree from Drake University; and WHEREAS, Answering his nation's call to duty, Mr. Harris served in the U.S. Army with the 868th field artillery from 1956 to 1958, when he began his civilian career as an educator and coach in Elkhart, Kansas; he joined the Friendswood Independent School District in 1971 and served the district for 25 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator, until his retirement; he guided the Friendswood Mustangs to a state championship in 1973 and helped them reach the 2A and 3A playoffs multiple times; he was later inducted into the Friendswood Mustang Hall of Honor, and in 2015, he was named an Honorary Distinguished Alumni of Friendswood High School; and WHEREAS, A man of strong religious faith, Mr. Harris was a longtime member of Friendswood Friends Church; through the years, he served the congregation as a Sunday school teacher, as a youth group sponsor, and as head of the ministry and oversight committee; he also led the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at Friendswood High, and in 1986, the group named him State Huddle Leader of the Year; and WHEREAS, Mr. Harris shared a loving relationship with his wife, Karolena Joyce Boyle Harris, that spanned more than six decades; he was the proud father of two sons, Kevin and Kelly, and with the passing years, he was further blessed with three grandsons, James, Kenton, and Charles; and WHEREAS, Kenton Harris lived a full and generous life devoted to his family, his profession, and his faith, and he leaves behind a legacy of integrity and generosity that will continue to inspire all those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Kenton Dale Harris and extend heartfelt sympathy to his relatives and many 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 Kenton Dale Harris. Taylor Alvarado Hancock Nichols Bettencourt Hinojosa Paxton Birdwell Huffman Perry Blanco Hughes Powell Buckingham Johnson Schwertner Campbell Kolkhorst Seliger Creighton Lucio Springer Eckhardt Men ndez West Gutierrez Miles Whitmire Hall Nelson Zaffirini Patrick, President of the Senate President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 28, 2021, by a rising vote.