[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 85 (Thursday, May 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MARK ALAN BURROUGHS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2024

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
extraordinary life and legacy of former Denton Mayor, Mark Alan 
Burroughs, Sr. His recent, sudden passing has left a void in the hearts 
of many, but the imprint of his life has left an indelible mark on all 
who had the privilege of knowing him.
  Mayor Burroughs was not only a public servant; he was a devoted 
husband, father, grandfather, esteemed attorney, and cherished friend. 
Born November 3, 1957, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mayor Burrough's journey 
led him to become a pillar of the Denton community. As the second of 
seven children, Mayor Burroughs attended Klein High School in Klein, 
TX. He then attended Stephen F. Austin State University, in 
Nacogdoches, TX, honing the political and leadership skills the Mayor 
would later rely on by serving as SFA's Student Body President.
  After earning his law degree from the University of Texas School of 
Law in 1982, Mayor Burroughs briefly practiced ad valorem property tax 
in the Houston area, then joined a Fort Worth firm, working as defense 
counsel for federal contractors across the United States and as 
managing partner of Huke & Burroughs, P.C. In 1994, he partnered with 
Greg J. Sawko and established Sawko & Burroughs P.C. It was at this 
point that Mayor Burrough's influence and leadership began shaping 
Denton's future that I honor today.
  Beyond his legal practice, Mayor Burroughs devoted himself to a 
variety of civic endeavors, serving on numerous local boards and 
volunteering with several charitable organizations. Known for his 
active engagement and diligence on the boards he served, at the time of 
his passing, he was the sitting Board Chair of the Medical City Denton 
Hospital Board, Solutions of North Texas, Denton State Assisted Living 
Center Volunteer Services Council and the Denton Public School 
Foundation. His broad legacy of community leadership extended much 
further, heading the Greater Denton Arts Council and serving on the 
boards of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home, Denton 
Humanitarian Association, CASA of Denton County, DISD Adopt-A-School, 
State Bar of Texas' Pro Bono College, Denton Business and Education 
Coalition, the Denton Teen Court and as Past President and active 
member of the Denton Rotary Club and the Denton Chamber of Commerce. 
The Denton Chamber recognized his numerous impacts in 2016 with its 
highest honor, the Otis L. Fowler Award.
  As engaged as he was with community organizations, it was in his role 
as a public servant that Mayor Burroughs truly excelled. He was elected 
and served three 2-year terms on the Denton City Council as a Member at 
Large, during which his colleagues appointed him Mayor Pro Tem. In 2008 
he was elected Mayor of the City of Denton, serving from 2008 to 2014. 
In this capacity he effectively led a divided council to invest in not 
only City assets such as the Denton Regional Airport and Denton 
Municipal Electric, but also in the infrastructure and other needs of a 
community that added over 30,000 residents during his tenure on the 
Denton City Council.
  The reach of his public service extended beyond the city limits 
through his national and regional affiliations. He held memberships in 
the U S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities and Metroplex 
Mayors Association and served as Secretary for the Western Metroplex 
Mobility Coalition. Arguably, it was through his influence outside 
Denton that his impact benefited the city to the greatest degree. As 
Chair of the North Central Texas Council of Government Regional 
Transportation Council and service on the boards of TEX-21 
Transportation Excellence, the North Texas Commission and DFW Partners 
in Mobility, he developed significant connections and influence as an 
advocate for the Phase I expansion of I-35E, which began in 2013.
  Through all of his affiliations and accomplishments, Mayor Burroughs 
never took his privilege serve for granted, recognizing that the 
opportunity was provided by the people he was elected to represent. 
Above all though, Mayor Burroughs cherished his family. His love for 
his wife, Diana ``Annie'' McKee Burroughs, their children, Madeline and 
Mark Jr., and grandson, Greyson knew no bounds. His devotion to his 
family was evident in every aspect of his life.
  As we mourn the loss of Mayor Burroughs, let us also celebrate the 
remarkable life and profound impact he had on our lives. Through his 
humor, diplomacy, and the legacy of love, integrity, and service, his 
inspiring spirit remains as a guide to a brighter future for 
generations to come.

                          ____________________