At the Monday, July 12, 2021 Menard County Commissioners Court meeting, Dr. Janis Cordes accepted a resolution from the State of Texas honoring her late husband, Dr. and County Judge Richard Allen Cordes.
The resolution states: “Cordes graduated from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force for three years; in 1978, he and his wife, Janis, moved to Menard and purchase Menard Animal Clinic; treating both pets and livestock. Dr. Cordes became widely known in the Hill Country for his kindness, expertise, and ability to calm nervous animals, and he also delighted clients with his sense of humor; he was involved with local youth who showed livestock, and he benefited his profession as a member of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's Licensing Breeder Advisory Committee.”
Dr. Cordes was a county commissioner from 1986 to 1998 and served as county judge from 2003 until his passing in February of 2020. Per the resolution “Cordes brought to his work compassion, humility, and integrity, as well as a sharp intellect; active in the Concho Valley Council of Governments, he served as secretary, vice president, and president, and he was also president of the Concho Valley Community Action Agency; in addition, he was a director of the Frontera Healthcare Network and a member of the Texas Small Business Development Center and the Texas Rural Foundation; he was named 2007 Official of the Year by the West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association, and he was twice named Menard's Citizen of the Year.”
“Richard Cordes made a lasting, positive difference in his community through his outstanding professional and civic contributions, and although he is deeply missed by those he left behind, he will forever hold a special place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Richard Allen Cordes and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing; 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 Dr. Richard Allen Cordes.”
Janis Cordes was presented with the offical copy, signed by Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, Chief Clerk of the House Robert Haney, and District 53 State Representative Andrew Murr.