[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E303-E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF JUDGE ED J. HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 2, 1999

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my colleague (Mr. Lampson) and I ask 
all of our colleagues in Congress to join us in paying tribute to an 
outstanding individual, Judge Ed J. Harris. Ed passed away on February 
10th

[[Page E304]]

after leading a long and distinguished life of public service and civic 
duty.
  Ed Harris devoted his professional and private life to serving his 
home state of Texas. After graduating from Southwestern University in 
1941, Ed entered the United States Navy to bravely fight for his 
country for six years during World War II.
  After devoting his energy towards completion of both his law degree 
and master's degree, Ed joined the law firm of Martin, Carmona, Cruse, 
Micks & Dunten in 1956. Ed was admired by his colleagues for his 
devotion to the law and constant strive for excellence, and within two 
years he became senior partner. He distinguished himself as a respected 
leader and accomplished attorney for the next 21 years.
  Ed spent thirty-tree years of his extraordinary professional career 
as an elected public official, which in of itself is a testament of his 
outstanding leadership capacity and desire to serve the community he 
loved. He won the first of his 17 successful elections in 1961 when he 
was elected as Galveston City Councilman, where he served for three 
years. In 1962, Ed's devotion to service led to his election to the 
Texas Legislature as a State Representative, where he honorably served 
for fourteen years.
  After Ed completed his tenure as State Representative, he became 
State District Judge, where he presided over the administrative, civil, 
and criminal dockets until his 1993 retirement. Ed is remembered by all 
he encountered for his kindness and his dedication to the law.
  Ed lead a rich and active civic life that enhanced the lives of the 
people in his community. He was a devoted parishioner of Moody Memorial 
First United Methodist Church in Galveston and was a board member of 
McMahan's Chapel, the oldest protestant church in Texas. He continued 
his long dedication to the law through his activity in many county and 
state bar associations and in the American Judges Association. Ed also 
maintained his Navy ties through his participation in the Retired 
Officers association and VFW. Ed's desire to help those less fortunate 
than he was a constant force in the community. In fact, in 1986 and 
1987, Ed rode in the 175 mile, two-day Houston Muscular Dystrophy Bike 
Tour, where he earned $14,000 in pledges for this cause. In 1991, Ed 
received the 1st Annual Independence Award from North Galveston County 
Democrats for his lifetime of devotion to this community.
  The death of Ed Harris is a blow to all that loved and respected him. 
His years of public service and devotion to his community touched 
thousands of lives. Those who were fortunate enough to have known Ed 
will never forget his kind spirit, his leadership in the community, and 
his dedication and understanding of the law. He has left a legacy that 
will never be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, please join us in paying tribute to the life of Ed 
Harris. Those of us fortunate enough to have known him are truly 
blessed.

                          ____________________