In memory of Mark James Hanna of Austin.

89(R) HR 1476 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

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