Proclamation

State of Texas §

WHEREAS, the Braunfels Foundation Trust has named Arno Becker as a New Braunfels 2008 Living Legend; and

WHEREAS, Arno Becker was born to Walter and Pauline Lieck Becker, on March 14, in New Braunfels. He and his sister Cora Jane Welsch, attended Carl Schurz Elementary and New Braunfels High School. As a Unicorn he played trombone in the band, and was active in the National Honor Society, Student Council, Sea Scouts and National Guard Band. Arno attained his Eagle Scout ranking before graduating in 1949, and attending Texas A&M University. During his senior year at A&M, he was Commander of Ordinance Company "A", graduating in 1953, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Then on to active duty with the U.S. Army as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Ordinance Corps. He held various jobs in his field of Mechanical Engineering with Texas Power & Light in Dallas and Waco, Nelson Miner and Co. and City Public Service Board in San Antonio. He always remained active in the Army Reserves, attaining the rank of Major. In 1966, Arno was hired by Mr. McKenna to hold the position of Chief Engineer of Mission Valley Mills; representing Mission Valley Mills in the construction of the Iselin Plant. He supervised the engineering and maintenance of both plants and their infrastructure, which included the design of several machines.

In 1973, Arno Becker bought into the family business, Becker Motor Company, and became the Senior Operating Partner from 1973 until the business was sold in 2002. While in the automobile business, he served

on the Chrysler and Dodge Advertising Associations and Chrysler and Dodge Dealer Councils

In his civic endeavors, Becker has served in many capacities. Appointed to the McKenna Memorial Hospital Board in 1976 and served until the hospital sold earlier this year. He was appointed Chairman of the Board, a position he now holds, with the McKenna Legacy Foundation Becker has been a member of the Wurstfest Association since 1974, and was named Grosse Opa" in 1993, and Opa Emeritus in 1994. He served three years on the Comal County Community Fund Board (predecessor of the United Way) and for one year as Chairman.

He also served as a Director of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce for several years and was elected to the Hall of Honor. He’s worked on many committees of the Chamber and still serves on the Transportation Committee. Arno was appointed to the Board of the New Braunfels Utilities in 1981 and was elected President of the Board in 1986. He also served on the Utility Board in 1989-1990 as Mayor of the City of New Braunfels. In 1988, he was elected to the New Braunfels City Council, served two years before being elected Mayor of the City of New Braunfels for 1990-1991. He has served on the Church Council of St. Paul Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed and has remained a member for 75 years.

Arno is the proud father of three children from his first marriage; Sherri Becker Owen, Blair Becker and Chris Becker. In 1973, he married Jimmie Brown Tracy and instantly became the father of two more daughters; Kathy Pfullmann and Jemme Tracy Steinberger. They have blessed him with seven grandchildren. Of the five children, and seven grandchildren he has four graduates from his alma mater, New Braunfels High School.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Commissioners’ Court of Comal County, duly convened and acting in its capacity as the governing body of Comal County, does hereby name October 28, 2008 as "Living Legends Day" in Comal County and recognizes Arno Becker as an individual who has truly made a difference in Comal County.

PASSED AND APPROVED this the 23rd day of October 2008.