HR1476 - In memory of Mark James Hanna of Austin.

      H.R. No. 1476       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the   passing of Mark James Hanna of Austin on May 23, 2025, at the age of   77; and          WHEREAS, Born on Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New   Mexico, on September 24, 1947, Mark Hanna was the son of Colonel   Keith C. Hanna and Bettye Bennett Hanna; he grew up with a sister,   Jill, and lived in a number of states before his father's career   brought the family to Austin; after graduating from Austin High   School, where he formed many lasting friendships, he earned his   bachelor's and law degrees from The University of Texas at Austin;   answering his nation's call to duty, he served as an airborne combat   medic in the U.S. Army; and          WHEREAS, Mr. Hanna focused his distinguished legal career on   public policy; he advocated fiercely and successfully for   legislation that advanced such fields as real estate, dentistry,   surveying, speech therapy, and audiology, benefiting his clients   and their patients alike; for nearly three decades, he represented   the Texas Nurses Association, furthering their goals of reducing   the nursing shortage and improving practice conditions while   helping establish a legal framework on which the Legislature   continues to build; a zealous advocate and true statesman, he made   friends on both sides of the aisle; he avoided controversy whenever   possible, choosing to negotiate a win-win solution for all; always   impeccably attired with every hair in place as he roamed the Capitol   halls and committee meetings, he was renowned for his warm smile and   his calm and professional demeanor that was flavored with a dash of   humor and subtle sarcasm; he was always viewed with the highest   respect by the individuals he worked with and the organizations he   represented; in turn, he loved the camaraderie that brought worthy   adversaries together after long days and nights of legislative   work, and he relished his memories of boisterous sine die   celebrations; and          WHEREAS, In 1980, Mr. Hanna married the former Deborah   Shelton, and they became the parents of a son, Mark Hanna Jr.; he   was also the father of Todd and Trent Hanna, and he eventually knew   the joy of welcoming a granddaughter, Catherine, into his treasured   family; an Eagle Scout and avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed horseback   riding, hiking, boating, fishing, duck hunting, and most of all,   working his beloved yellow British labs, Ace, Jock, and Rip, at   Aransas Bay; he drove a ski boat skillfully, to the delight of the   numerous children he pulled on boards, tubes, and skis, up and down   Lake Austin; a loyal Longhorn, he was an especially ardent fan of   the football team; and          WHEREAS, Thoughtful, kind, and gentlemanly, Mark Hanna   brightened the world for innumerable people, and they will forever   hold him close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Mark James Hanna and   extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his   wife, Debbie Hanna; to his sons, Mark Hanna Jr., Todd Hanna, and   Trent Hanna; to his granddaughter, Catherine Quail Hanna; to his   niece, Sommer Pruitt; to his close friend and legal assistant of 38   years, Denese Mosley; and to his many other relatives and host of   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 Mark Hanna.     Howard     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 1476 was unanimously adopted by a   rising vote of the House on May 31, 2025.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House