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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The life of a distinguished jurist drew to a close |
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with the passing of the Honorable Joe D. Clayton of Tyler on |
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July 14, 2023, at the age of 84; and |
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WHEREAS, The son of Melvin and Clementine Clayton, Joe |
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Clayton was born in Bonham on November 21, 1938, and he grew up with |
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the companionship of three brothers, Bernard, Gene, and John; in |
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1956, he graduated from Tulia High School, and he went on to receive |
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his bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and his |
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juris doctor degree from the UT School of Law; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Clayton worked as a partner and senior partner |
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in various law firms in Tyler and Fredericksburg prior to embarking |
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on his esteemed career in the judiciary, over the course of which he |
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served as judge of the 241st District Court, the Smith County |
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Court-at-Law in Tyler, and the Bullard Municipal Court, as well as a |
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senior state district judge; furthermore, he held leadership roles |
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within a number of professional organizations, including the Texas |
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Center for the Judiciary, the State Bar of Texas, and the Texas Bar |
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Foundation; and |
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WHEREAS, Active in his community, Judge Clayton gave |
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generously of his time and talents to numerous civic groups, such as |
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the Bowie Chamber of Commerce, the East Texas Estate Planning |
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Council, and the Tyler-Rose City Kiwanis Club; in his leisure |
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hours, he enjoyed hunting and fishing; and |
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WHEREAS, Above all else, Judge Clayton was devoted to his |
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loved ones; he shared a rewarding marriage with his wife, Jan, that |
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spanned five and a half decades until her passing in 2019, and he |
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took great pride in their three children, Joe, James, and |
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Catherine; with the passing years, he had the pleasure of welcoming |
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into his treasured family three granddaughters, Ashley, Caroline, |
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and Clementene; in all his endeavors, Judge Clayton was sustained |
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by his strong faith, and he was a valued member of First |
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Presbyterian Church in Tyler; and |
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WHEREAS, Joe Clayton earned the respect and admiration of all |
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who knew him, and he leaves behind a record of service that his |
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family and friends can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature, 3rd |
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Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Judge |
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Joe D. Clayton and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his |
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passing; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this |
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day, it do so in memory of Joe Clayton. |