78S10772 MW-D

By:  Wohlgemuth                                                   H.R. No. 169



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The family and friends of Gordon Cockerham of 
Burleson were deeply saddened by the passing of this distinguished 
gentleman on November 29, 2002, at the age of 69; and
	WHEREAS, Born on May 21, 1933, Mr. Cockerham graduated from 
Red Oak High School in 1950, and four years later he received his 
bachelor of science degree from Abilene Christian College; in 1958, 
Mr. Cockerham earned his master of education degree from North 
Texas State University and then completed further postgraduate 
studies at East Texas State University; and
	WHEREAS, This respected educator and administrator worked 
for 40 years in the Texas school system; he began his teaching 
career in Lancaster, where he served for 26 years as a teacher, 
coach, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent; he 
completed his public school career with 14 years of outstanding 
service as superintendent of the Burleson public schools; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Cockerham made additional contributions to 
education through his leadership positions in professional 
organizations; the 1993-1994 president of the Texas Association of 
School Administrators, Mr. Cockerham also had served as president 
of the Texas Association of Suburban Schools, as 
secretary-treasurer of Dallas County School Administrators, and as 
one of five elected Texas delegates to the National Assembly of the 
American Association of School Administrators; and
	WHEREAS, He received the Dallas, Texas Area AA Coach of the 
Year award in 1962, 1963, and 1964; in 1980, the city council of 
Lancaster and the Lancaster ISD board of trustees declared a 
Cockerham Day to recognize him for his contributions to the 
community and to the field of education; and
	WHEREAS, Also a valued member of the Burleson community, Mr. 
Cockerham served as president of the Burleson Area Chamber of 
Commerce in 1982; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Cockerham is widely missed by family and 
friends, but his memory lives on in their hearts and in the 
positive, lasting influence he had on his students and on families 
throughout the communities where he served; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay special tribute to the 
life of Gordon Cockerham and extend deepest sympathies to the 
members of his family:  to his wife, Bobbie Cockerham; to his sons, 
Lon and Bret Cockerham; to his daughter, Sherry Brooks; and to his 
other 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Gordon 
Cockerham.