[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 43 (Monday, March 13, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E321-E322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF SAM HOUSTON, IV

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 13, 2017

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, a loving husband, father, and 
grandfather, Sam Houston, IV was a blessing to Texas, not just because 
of who his great-grandfather was, but because of his passion for Texas 
history.
  Born on September 25, 1931, in Claremore, Oklahoma to Sam Houston, 
III and Ruth Helen Nilson, Sam Houston, IV was the great grandson of 
General Sam Houston. He was one of Texas' founding fathers whose statue 
stands in the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol, and whose 
bust is displayed in the historic Ways and Means Conference Room in the 
Capitol as well. Sam Houston, IV shared his tries to Texas history with 
all who would listen. A frequent speaker at annual San Jacinto Day 
celebrations, Sam brought history to life.
  He enjoyed sharing his love of Texas history and his special 
connection to the founding of the Texas Republic with children, school 
groups, civic and other organizations. His great-grandfather, who once 
said about Texas that ``no country upon the globe can compare with it 
in natural advantages,'' would have been proud of his great grandson.
  A salesman with U.S. Steel for many years, Sam attended Schreiner 
Military Academy and Allen Academy in Texas. He also attended St. 
Michael's College in New Mexico before earning his BA in history at the 
University of Houston.
  Always a patriot, Sam served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War 
and led an infantry platoon. After active service, he served an 
additional 16 years in the Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of 
Lieutenant Colonel.
  He was appointed to the Bi-centennial Commission of the U.S. 
Constitution and served on the Sesquicentennial Commission of the 
Republic of Texas celebration. He served as President General of the 
Sons of the Republic of Texas and was Knight Commander of the Knights 
of San Jacinto. He is one of nine men in the over one-hundred year 
history of the Sons of the Republic of Texas to have been awarded the 
Lifetime Achievement Award.
  He was commissioned as Commanding General of The Texas Army on April 
20, 2010 by Governor Perry. On February 23, 2011, he was awarded the 
George Washington Award by the Paul Carrington Chapter of the Sons of 
the American Revolution, Houston, Texas.
  Sam would carry his weighty name with pride as he spoke to tens of 
thousands of schoolchildren about Texas history. He also appeared in 
the EMMY Award winning documentary, Sam Houston: American Statesman, 
Soldier, and Pioneer, that will live on for generations to come.
  For the past several decades, he called the Houston area his home. 
Sam and his wife, Virginia Rose, were blessed with three children, 
Vicky, Steven, and Kevin, three grandchildren, Sherry, Bridgett and 
Scott, and seven great-grandchildren, Jessica, Chelsea, Patrick, 
Mackenzie, Nicole, Sophia and Dylan. Sam is also survived by his 
brother, Temple.
  On March 10, 2017, Sam passed away at the age of 85 and will be 
sorely missed.

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