SR413 - In memory of Earl M. Swindle Sr. of Houston.

        SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 413       In Memory   of   Earl Swindle Sr.            WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the   passing of Earl M. Swindle Sr. of Houston on April 3, 2025, at the   age of 89; and            WHEREAS, The son of Bernice and W. M. Swindle, Earl Swindle   was born in Shelby County on May 20, 1935, and he was blessed with   the companionship of 10 siblings, Perry, David, Kathy, Charles,   Earnest, Retha, Pamela, Donna, Dedra, and Dadra; he graduated   from Jack Yates High School in 1953, and he went on to earn a   bachelor's degree in business administration from Texas Southern   University in 1957; shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S.   Army, and he served as a sharpshooter for three years until his   honorable discharge; and            WHEREAS, Mr. Swindle wed the former Minerva Ellen Higgins   on November 13, 1960, and the couple shared a rewarding marriage   that spanned 37 years until her passing in 1997; he took great   pride in their two sons, Earl and Rodney, and he had the pleasure   of seeing their treasured family grow to include three grandsons,   Issaiah, Zane, and Jarrett; and            WHEREAS, In 1960, Mr. Swindle began his career at the Gulf   Oil Company as an entry-level executive; later that year, he   accepted an offer to become one of the first African American   proprietors of a Gulf Oil retail service and fuel operation; he   subsequently opened Swindle's Gulf Service Station, later known   as Swindle's Chevron; and            WHEREAS, Over the years, Mr. Swindle's establishment   became a gathering place for Third Ward community members from   all walks of life; in recognition of its success, he was awarded   the Gulf Oil Company Gold Service Award five times, and he also   served twice as president of the company's honor council; he   employed many of his extended family members, and he also   benefited from his wife's assistance for more than three and a   half decades; after closing the station in 2001, he worked   briefly for Randall Reed Ford before embarking on a 17-year   tenure with the The Home Depot; and            WHEREAS, Dedicated to assisting future generations,   Mr. Swindle sponsored a number of youth sports teams and   development programs; he also collaborated with area high   schools to create a workforce training program, and he frequently   gave of his time and resources to help Texas Southern University   students with automotive repairs; in addition, he supported   numerous local churches; and            WHEREAS, Earl Swindle lived a life that was rich in family,   friends, and community service, and those who were privileged to   share in his love and affection will forever hold him close in   their hearts; now, therefore, be it            RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Earl M. Swindle   Sr. and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and friends;   and, be it further            RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be   prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns   this day, it do so in memory of Earl Swindle.     Miles                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on April 16, 2025, by a     rising vote.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate