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SENATE RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to pay |
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tribute to Luther Vernon Francis on the joyous occasion of his |
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100th birthday, which is being celebrated on February 25, 2023, |
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in Prairie View; and |
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WHEREAS, Born on February 24, 1923, in Paris, Texas, |
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Luther Vernon Francis is an exemplary citizen and an accomplished |
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gentleman and scholar; a beloved and respected member of his |
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Prairie View community, Luther is admired for his many notable |
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achievements as well as for his charming wit, his impeccable |
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sense of style, and his generous and gracious spirit; and |
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WHEREAS, A gifted and determined individual, Luther |
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graduated salutatorian of his high school class and went on to |
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serve in the Civilian Conservation Corps and in the United States |
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Army, during which time he developed his skill as a land surveyor |
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and enrolled as a student at Prairie View College; and |
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WHEREAS, After earning his master's degree, Luther was |
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hired as a professor at Prairie View A&M College and began a long |
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and rewarding career at the school; he became a highly esteemed |
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faculty member and a trusted administrator, and he served the |
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institution in various leadership roles over the years, |
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including as a department head, facility director, and business |
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manager; and |
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WHEREAS, In addition to serving as an educator, Luther |
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learned to fly airplanes and obtained a pilot license; his |
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experience as a land surveyor and his familiarity with the local |
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terrain were an asset to him during many of his flights, as he |
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occasionally needed to pilot his plane into landing in the dark |
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without the benefit of lights; and |
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WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Luther has met both |
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challenges and opportunities with strength and virtue; he has |
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been privileged to witness historic events and achievements that |
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many people only read about in history books, and there is much to |
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be learned from the wisdom he has gained; a 100th birthday is |
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truly a milestone deserving of recognition, and it is indeed |
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fitting that his loved ones gather to express their appreciation |
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and affection and to celebrate this momentous occasion; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th |
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Legislature, hereby recognize Luther Vernon Francis as a |
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treasured citizen of the Lone Star State and extend to him |
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congratulations on his 100th birthday and best wishes for a |
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memorable birthday celebration; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
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him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. |