88S31302 BPG-D
 
  By: Guillen H.R. No. 150
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Former State Representative Thomas Jefferson "Tom"
  Martin Jr. passed away on October 30, 2023, at the age of 88,
  bringing a great loss to his family and friends; and
         WHEREAS, The son of Alberta Martin and T. J. "Jeff" Martin
  Sr., Tom Martin was born in Poteet on April 2, 1935; when he was
  small, his family moved from Christine to George West to be closer
  to the "big ranch," La Campana; after graduating from George West
  High School, he decided to see some of the country, attending Texas
  A&M University-Kingsville, the University of Nevada, and Kent State
  University in Ohio; he completed his education at Oklahoma Baptist
  University, where he met his future wife, the former Jean Jones;
  their 54-year marriage was made even richer with the addition of a
  daughter, Angela, and a son, T. J. "Jeff" Martin III; eventually,
  their treasured family grew to include two grandchildren, T. J. and
  Ray, the sixth generation of Martins in McMullen County; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Martin went to work with his father, managing
  La Campana, which at one time extended over Live Oak, McMullen, and
  Duval Counties, along with two smaller ranches, the Lopez in
  Atascosa County and the Lawhorn in northern McMullen County; one of
  the original advocates for the Santa Gertrudis Breeders
  International cattle association, he won numerous awards for his
  success in advancing "America's original beef breed"; and
         WHEREAS, In 1976, Mr. Martin won election to the Texas House
  of Representatives; during two terms in office, he served on a
  number of committees, including Agriculture and Livestock, Energy
  Resources, and the House Joint Committee on the State Energy Plan;
  he was chair of the Energy Resources Subcommittee on Appropriative
  Matters and vice chair of the Environmental Affairs Subcommittee on
  Pollution Control; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Martin were enthusiastic world
  travelers, and they went scuba diving in the South Pacific, cruised
  the Nile, and explored European castles; an avid reader as well,
  Mr. Martin was particularly interested in architecture, history,
  and following his favorite basketball, baseball, and football
  teams; he was preceded in death by his wife and his sister, Alberta
  "Bette" Mason, as well as his parents; and
         WHEREAS, Tom Martin touched the lives of innumerable people
  through his generosity and compassion, and although he is deeply
  missed, his family and friends will forever treasure their memories
  of his thoughtful nature, his wry sense of humor, and the honor and
  humility with which he carried himself; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
  the Honorable Thomas Jefferson "Tom" Martin Jr. and extend sincere
  sympathy to the members of his family: Angela Martin, Chantel
  Foretich, Jeff Martin III, Melaine Martin, Jamie Locke, Glenda
  Locke, T. J. Martin IV, and Ray Martin; 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 Tom Martin.