SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 55

In Memory

of

J. Saunders Freels Jr.

WHEREAS, Family and friends will forever cherish their memories of J. Saunders Freels Jr. of Denison, who passed away on July 19, 2023, at the age of 80; and

WHEREAS, The son of Saunders and Margaret Freels, "Sandy" Freels was born on February 8, 1943, in Sherman and grew up with the companionship of a brother, John; he graduated from Denison High School in 1961 and went on to receive an undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University before earning his juris doctor degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in 1969; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Freels began his legal career with the Grayson County Attorney's Office, working there for three years before entering private practice; in 1978, he was appointed to County Court at Law No. 2 to fill an unexpired term and remained on the bench for a second term; he then resumed his law practice and ultimately retired in 2016; highly respected by his peers, he was a member of the Grayson County Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas, where he was president of the grievance committee; and

WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Freels benefited from the love and support of his wife, Valerie, with whom he shared a rewarding 52-year marriage; he took great pride in his sons, Trey and Andrew, his daughters-in-law, Tricia and Chassity, and his grandsons, Kameron, Will, Hudson, Drew, Zach, and Hayden; and

WHEREAS, A valued member of Waples Memorial United Methodist Church, Mr. Freels served on the trustee, finance, and staff parish committees and was chair of the administrative board; his participation in the DeMolay youth leadership organization as a young man inspired him to become a Mason, and he guided Lone Star Lodge No. 403 as master; one of his greatest joys was his work with Scouts BSA Troop No. 605, and he also relished the hunting and fishing excursions he took with family and friends, often regaling them with the sage wisdom of his "Sandyisms"; and

WHEREAS, While his loss is difficult to bear, Sandy Freels leaves behind numerous friends and loved ones whose lives are far richer for having known him, and he will always hold a treasured place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of J. Saunders Freels Jr. and extend sincere sympathy 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 Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Sandy Freels.

Springer

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on October 30, 2023, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate