88S30945 CJM-D
 
  By: Vasut H.C.R. No. 28
 
 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
       WHEREAS, Residents of Brazoria County lost an admired civic
leader with the passing of former county sheriff and county judge
E. J. King on August 1, 2023, at the age of 79; and
       WHEREAS, A veteran of the U.S. Army, "Joe" King served with
the Texas Department of Public Safety for a dozen years before
joining the Brazoria Police Department as a lieutenant; he was
elected sheriff in 1980, and over the course of an exemplary 24-year
tenure, he implemented significant reforms and upgraded facilities
and equipment; moreover, he set a sterling example of courage,
dedication, and integrity in the pursuit of justice and the
furtherance of public safety; elected county judge in 2006, he
worked tirelessly to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality
of life in the rapidly growing area; in all his endeavors, he
fostered an environment of trust and cooperation with his staff and
developed strong connections with residents of the diverse
community; and
       WHEREAS, Judge King gave generously of his time and expertise
to numerous charitable causes and civic organizations, including
the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Brazoria
County Cattlemen's Association, the Brazoria County Fair, the
American Legion, and The 100 Club of Brazoria County; among
numerous accolades, he received the Distinguished Citizen Award
from the Bay Area Council Boy Scouts of America, the Outstanding
Alumni Award from the Alvin Community College Alumni Association,
and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of
Houston-Clear Lake; he was a cattleman all his life, and his
retirement in 2014 allowed him to focus more fully on his ranch;
above all, he was devoted to his family; he shared 32 years of
marriage with his wife, Jackie, and he took great pride in his son,
daughter, and four grandsons; and
       WHEREAS, Joe King made a lasting, positive imprint on
Brazoria County through his visionary leadership, and although he
is deeply missed by those he left behind, they will treasure their
memories of his warmth, kindness, and empathy; now, therefore, be
it
       RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas,
3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of the Honorable
E. J. "Joe" King and extend sincere sympathy to all who mourn his
passing; 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Joe King.