TITLE: In memory of Steven Markland Sykes.

SUMMARY: In memory of Steven Markland Sykes.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life filled with meaningful accomplishments drew to a close with the passing of Steven Markland Sykes on January 5, 2021, at the age of 73; and WHEREAS, The son of Billie Mae Meserole and Charles Emons Sykes Jr., Steve Sykes was born in Dallas on November 26, 1947, and he grew up in the Oak Cliff area with the companionship of five siblings, Diane, Paul, Pam, Kay, and Cathy; he was captain of the Knight football team at Justin F. Kimball High School, and he went on to play football at Southeastern Oklahoma State University before completing his education at The University of Texas at Arlington; he embarked on a career as a certified public accountant and operated his own accounting and investments business for many years; and WHEREAS, Mr. Sykes wed the former Frances Kay Bragg in 1980, and the couple shared a fulfilling union that spanned more than 35 years until her passing in 2016; a devoted father, he took great pride in his four children, Christopher Sykes, Eric Sykes, Christopher Jackson, and Jennifer Sykes Griffin, and with the passing years, he had the pleasure of seeing his family grow to include six grandchildren, Alexandra, Jazz, Ashleigh, Miller, Madison, and McKenzie; and WHEREAS, In his leisure hours, Mr. Sykes enjoyed reading, traveling, music, and dining out, and he was an avid golfer, boasting two holes-in-one at Firewheel Golf Park in Garland; he was a valued congregant of St. John's Episcopal Church in Dallas, where he served in the vestry, played on the softball team, and participated in the men's camping group; and WHEREAS, Although Steve Sykes is deeply missed, memories of his keen sense of humor, his abiding faith, and his strength in providing a firm foundation for his family remain to comfort and inspire those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Steven Markland Sykes and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing; 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 Steve Sykes. Bell of Montgomery Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1117 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 28, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House