SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 57

In Memory

of

William Walter Burnett

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Judge William Walter "Bud" Burnett, who died December 27, 2020, at the age of 82; and

WHEREAS, A native of San Marcos, Bud Burnett was born on July 12, 1938; as a young man, he developed a love of the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting while spending summers and holidays at the family ranch near Wimberley; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from San Marcos High School in 1956, Bud earned a bachelor's degree in history from Southwest Texas State College, and he worked for several years in the Hays County family ranching business that his great-grandparents had established in 1911; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, he was elected to the position of Hays County judge; he was reelected three times and thus served on the bench for 12 years; he also served as an active leader in the community; he was president of the board of directors of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative for 37 years, and under his leadership the organization grew to become the nation's largest electric cooperative; he was a past president of the Southwest Texas State University Development Foundation, and he played a key role in establishing the Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Burnett shared many years of marriage with the late Kay Elizabeth Franz, and they were blessed with three children; in 1996, he married his high school sweetheart, Frances Fleming, and they built their cherished home overlooking the Blanco River and restored an adobe house at the cattle ranch in Duran, New Mexico; Frances preceded him in death shortly before his passing; and

WHEREAS, A devoted husband, father, and grandfather and an esteemed public servant, Bud Burnett was beloved by many; he will long be remembered with respect and admiration by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Judge William Walter Burnett; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bud Burnett.

Campbell

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 9, 2021, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate