TITLE: In memory of Gene Durkee.

SUMMARY: In memory of Gene Durkee.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Fort Worth in mourning the loss of Gene Durkee, who died May 24, 2013, at the age of 83; and WHEREAS, Gene Durkee was born April 12, 1930, in Oklahoma City; he was salutatorian of the Class of 1948 at Moore High School, where he was also president of the student council and a standout athlete who earned letters in football, baseball, and basketball; he went on to earn a degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of the Engineers Club and Lambda Chi Alpha; and WHEREAS, He married his childhood sweetheart, Billye, and the couple enjoyed more than 60 years of marriage; they raised three sons, Michael, Kenneth, and James, and were blessed with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Mr. Durkee joined the Oklahoma National Guard while attending college and earned a commission as a second lieutenant after completing four years in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps; he was later called to active duty with the United States Air Force during the Korean War and served with the 7th Bomb Wing of the Strategic Air Command at Carswell Air Force Base; and WHEREAS, He enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in the petroleum industry, serving in executive positions for a variety of companies, including Moran Brothers, Western Oceanic, Peter Bawden Drilling, Pool International, and Beta Drilling; he created his own firm, Energy Marketing and Drilling, in 1989; and WHEREAS, Among the professional organizations to which he gave his time and talent were the International Association of Drilling Contractors, the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists, and the Society of Petroleum Engineers; and WHEREAS, Gene Durkee was a man of courage, strength, and compassion who gave generously to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Gene Durkee; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Gene Durkee. Davis President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 18, 2013, by a rising vote.