TITLE: In memory of Lyman Bartlett "Bart" Hotchkiss of Midland.

SUMMARY: In memory of Lyman Bartlett "Bart" Hotchkiss of Midland.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the passing of Lyman Bartlett Hotchkiss of Midland on October 27, 2024, at the age of 80; and WHEREAS, The son of Dr. Dewitt H. Hotchkiss and Esther Hotchkiss, Bart Hotchkiss was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on November 24, 1943, and he grew up in Houston with the companionship of his brother, Pete; he attended the Kinkaid School, and after graduating from Culver Military Academy in Indiana, he continued his education at Southwestern University, where he met his future wife, the former Sharla Earl; the couple shared six decades of marriage and welcomed into their family two children, Bret and Erin, and three grandchildren, Brendan, Christopher, and Elizabeth; and WHEREAS, Mr. Hotchkiss worked in sales in Houston and Lubbock following his graduation from college, and in 1971, he and his family moved to Midland; in the ensuing years, he sold computers and ran a garage door company; he also earned his real estate license and began buying and selling properties, managing rentals, and flipping houses alongside his wife; in 1983, he opened Murray's Deli in downtown Midland, followed by several other locations and a bakery, and he went on to establish a retail business called The Fire Place before retiring; and WHEREAS, Engaged in his community, Mr. Hotchkiss gave generously of his time by volunteering with his church, local schools and PTAs, and a number of other organizations, including Hospice of Midland, Keep Midland Beautiful, Master Gardeners, the Museum of the Southwest, and United Way; in addition, he served on the Midland City Council and as mayor pro tempore, and he further distinguished himself as chair of the Midland Planning and Zoning Commission, chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, and a member of the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee; in his leisure hours, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his loved ones, and he was known for his exceptional cooking skills; and WHEREAS, Admired for his devotion to his family, his generosity of spirit, and his joyous zest for life, Bart Hotchkiss enriched the lives of all who knew him, and they will forever hold him close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay tribute to the memory of Lyman Bartlett Hotchkiss and extend sincere condolences 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 House of Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of Bart Hotchkiss. Craddick President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 32 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 10, 2025. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 32 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the Senate on March 19, 2025. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor