TITLE: Recognizing Harold Eugene Van Baale on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Harold Eugene Van Baale on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Harold Eugene Van Baale, who celebrated his 75th birthday on April 3, 2020; and WHEREAS, Gene Van Baale was born in Knoxville, Iowa, and he grew up with his brother, Joseph, in Prairie City, Iowa, where he met and married Sharon Thomas; the couple was blessed with a son, Anthony Ray Van Baale; and WHEREAS, Mr. Van Baale followed in his father's footsteps and became a truck driver; he and his family settled in Jacksboro, Texas, in 1973, and he has been active in numerous public service roles in addition to his work; and WHEREAS, He served two terms as a captain with the Jack County Sheriff's Posse and remains a member today, and he spent three years with the Jacksboro Police Department; he has been a member of the Jermyn Fire Department since 2007, and he has served for many years as a deacon at Christian Missions Church; and WHEREAS, Skilled as a team roper, Mr. Van Baale has earned multiple awards in events sponsored by the United States Team Ropers Association, the Original Team Ropers Association, and the Senior Team Roping Association; he is a classic car collector and a vintage truck aficionado, and he continues to work as a truck driver behind the wheel of his beloved 1985 Peterbilt 359; and WHEREAS, Since 1983, he has shared a rewarding marriage with Sharon Smith Horn, and their blended family today includes their sons, Anthony, Kelly, and Tony, as well as 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a respected and admired member of his community, Mr. Van Baale is truly deserving of special recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby congratulate Harold Eugene Van Baale on a life well lived and extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Springer President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 14, 2021.