In memory of Horace Franklin McQueen of Houston County.
WHEREAS, The life of an esteemed agriculture journalist and
cattleman drew to a close with the passing of Horace Franklin
McQueen of Houston County on March 19, 2025, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, The son of Tommy and Fairy Lee McQueen, Horace
McQueen was born near Latexo on July 3, 1938; he later moved with
his family to La Porte, where he grew up working for local farmers
and ranchers; he accepted a scholarship from Texas A&M University
and joined the Corps of Cadets, and during his junior year, he wed
the former Carole Myers; the couple shared a fulfilling marriage of
more than 66 years, raising their sons, Dale and Dennis, and their
twin daughters, Deidre and Debra, and they eventually welcomed two
grandchildren into their family; and
WHEREAS, Following graduation, Mr. McQueen and his family
moved to Alexandria, Virginia, and he embarked on his career there
as an associate editor for the National Future Farmer magazine and
then as an editor with other publications; he shifted to television
broadcasting in 1964 in Lubbock as the owner and producer of the
regional show Farm and Ranch News; through this work, he developed
an interest in the Australian Murray Grey cattle breed, and in 1969,
he and his wife established Murray Grey USA; becoming a full-time
cattleman, he imported the first Murray Grey cattle into the
country, and he was a founding member of the American Murray Grey
Association; in 1973, he and his family moved to an East Texas ranch
near Troup; he subsequently resumed production for Farm and Ranch
News on Tyler and Lufkin television stations, distinguishing
himself as the owner, producer, and host of the popular morning show
for 27 additional years before his retirement in 2000; known as the
voice of agriculture in Texas, he interviewed such high-profile
figures as U.S. presidents and congressional leaders, and he was
honored as the national Farm Broadcaster of the Year in 1980, the
Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture in 1986, and the Ralph W. Steen
East Texan of the Year in 2023; in addition, he and his wife funded
several scholarship programs for Texas A&M agriculture journalism
students, and he lent his expertise to many professional and civic
organizations; and
WHEREAS, While the death of Horace McQueen brings great
sadness to his loved ones, he leaves behind a legacy that will long
be treasured by all who held him dear; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Horace Franklin
McQueen and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his family:
to his wife, Carole McQueen; to his children, Dale McQueen and his
wife, Patti, Dennis McQueen and his wife, Ashley, Deidre Haines and
her husband, Gordon, and Debra Green and her husband, Phillip; to
his grandchildren, Faithe and Mason Green; and to his other
relatives and 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 Horace
McQueen.
