HR14 - In memory of Judge Morris L. Overstreet.

      H.R. No. 14       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, The life of a respected jurist drew to a close with   the passing of the Honorable Morris Lee Overstreet on March 3, 2024,   at the age of 73; and          WHEREAS, Born in Amarillo on July 10, 1950, Morris Overstreet   was the son of West and Nora Johnson Overstreet; he distinguished   himself athletically at George Washington Carver High School, where   he played football and competed in track and field, and he went on   to graduate with honors from Amarillo High School; he earned a track   scholarship to Angelo State University, and after receiving a   degree in sociology, he obtained his juris doctor degree from the   school of law at Texas Southern University; and          WHEREAS, Judge Overstreet began his career in public service,   becoming an assistant district attorney in Amarillo's   47th Judicial District; he transitioned to private practice from   1981 to 1986, and he subsequently served for four years as the   presiding judge for the Potter County Court; in 1990, he   successfully ran for a seat on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals,   making him the first African American elected to a statewide   position in Texas since Reconstruction; he authored more than 500   opinions during his seven years on the court; and          WHEREAS, Later in his career, Judge Overstreet practiced law   in Austin, Houston, and Galveston, as well as in Waller County; he   served as a judge in Waller County's Prairie View Municipal Court,   and he gave back to his alma mater, TSU, in his roles as director of   its legal clinic and as a distinguished visiting professor;   moreover, he joined with his cousin Brian Overstreet to operate a   sports management firm, USG Sports; he was a partner with the law   firm of Hance Scarborough, LLP, until shortly before his death, and   he held membership in such organizations as the State Bar of Texas,   the American Bar Association, and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity; and          WHEREAS, Judge Overstreet shared a rewarding marriage with   his wife, Dr. Carla Ortique, and his cherished family included his   two children, Elizabeth and West, as well as three grandchildren,   Tyriece, Marrissa, and Morris; he delighted in traveling and   celebrating holidays with his loved ones, and he brought joy to many   family gatherings with his playful sense of humor; and          WHEREAS, Judge Morris Overstreet made an indelible impact   through his myriad accomplishments as a public servant, civic   leader, and legal authority, and he will forever be a source of   inspiration to those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of the Honorable Morris   Lee Overstreet and extend deepest 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 House of   Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Judge   Morris Overstreet.     Raymond     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 14 was unanimously adopted by a rising   vote of the House on March 6, 2025.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House