TITLE: In memory of Henderson County Justice of the Peace Tommy Barnett.

SUMMARY: In memory of Henderson County Justice of the Peace Tommy Barnett.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The citizens of Henderson County have lost a respected public servant with the death of Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace Tommy Barnett on April 1, 2017, at the age of 66; and WHEREAS, Thomas Jim Barnett was born in Athens, Texas, on May 17, 1950, to Brink and Mabel Barnett; after graduating from Malakoff High School in 1968, he attended Henderson County Junior College and went on to earn his bachelor's degree at Sam Houston State University in 1974; he later completed a master's degree in education at Stephen F. Austin State University; and WHEREAS, For 32 years, Mr. Barnett taught vocational agriculture for the Cross Roads Independent School District; he received the 1996 Henderson County Woodrow Walker Memorial Award in recognition of his support of the Henderson County Livestock Show, and in March 2017, Cross Roads ISD named its new agricultural science building the Tommy Barnett Ag Complex in his honor; over the course of his career in education, Mr. Barnett also worked as a special education teacher for Malakoff ISD and as principal of Cross Roads High School; and WHEREAS, In 2006, Mr. Barnett was elected Henderson County Precinct 5 justice of the peace, and he served in that office until his passing; he was also active with the Senior Olympics in local nursing homes, and he was a member of the Henderson County Go Texan Committee; in all his endeavors, he enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Dot, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage; and WHEREAS, A respected civic leader and a beloved teacher, Tommy Barnett lived a rich and purposeful life, and memories of his good humor, generosity, and service to others will continue to inspire all those who knew him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Judge Tommy Barnett and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Dorothy Durham Barnett; to his sisters, Sara James and her husband, Jesse, Patti Thomas and her husband, Scotty, and Lori Daniel and her husband, Brett; 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 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Tommy Barnett. Wray Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1858 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 12, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House