H.R. No. 348
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, The recent passing of Robert E. Kennedy on February
1-2 15, 1993, at the age of 79, is a great loss to the many friends,
1-3 relatives, and colleagues of this distinguished Texas businessman
1-4 and community leader; and
1-5 WHEREAS, With his family roots firmly planted in Abilene
1-6 soil, Mr. Kennedy shared a timeless bond with this West Texas
1-7 community; in fact, his great-grandfather, J. V. Cunningham, served
1-8 as sheriff for 25 years during the earliest days of the town's
1-9 history; and
1-10 WHEREAS, From humble beginnings, Mr. Kennedy made a name for
1-11 himself in Abilene's business arena; while pursuing a degree at
1-12 Simmons University, he accepted a position as a part-time mail
1-13 clerk with West Texas Utilities Company in 1933 and, over 40 years
1-14 later, he retired from the company as its chairman and chief
1-15 executive officer; and
1-16 WHEREAS, With the military beckoning in the mid-1940s,
1-17 Mr. Kennedy left the familiarity of his civilian position to answer
1-18 his country's call; after officer training at Camp Barkeley, he was
1-19 commissioned as a second lieutenant in the medical corps and served
1-20 for a time as a public relations officer at San Antonio's Brooke
1-21 Army Medical Center during a devastating polio epidemic; and
1-22 WHEREAS, Mr. Kennedy married the former Elizabeth Faucett and
1-23 enjoyed a rewarding marriage until her death in 1974; together they
1-24 raised a lovely daughter, Lenda; Mr. Kennedy later remarried, and
2-1 shared many years of happiness and companionship with his beloved
2-2 wife, the former Margaret Wheeler; and
2-3 WHEREAS, Mr. Kennedy was an integral part of many positive
2-4 programs in his community, faithfully working behind the scenes to
2-5 make them successful; he derived a great deal of personal
2-6 satisfaction from his active involvement in such organizations as
2-7 the American Red Cross, United Way of Abilene, the Abilene Public
2-8 Library, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, the YWCA, the West Texas
2-9 Rehabilitation Center, and the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly
2-10 Rest, where he was a member; and
2-11 WHEREAS, Mr. Kennedy loved Abilene and was dedicated to the
2-12 well-being of his friends and neighbors; though his fellowship will
2-13 be greatly missed, the many pleasant memories he leaves behind in
2-14 the hearts of his loved ones will comfort and inspire them as they
2-15 fondly recall his vigorous spirit and zest for life; now,
2-16 therefore, be it
2-17 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
2-18 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Robert E. Kennedy and
2-19 extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his family: to his
2-20 wife, Margaret "Peg" Kennedy of Abilene; to his daughter, Lenda
2-21 Delk of Houston; to his four stepchildren, John Gregory Wheeler of
2-22 El Paso, Roger Michael Wheeler of Abilene, Susan Wheeler Johnson of
2-23 New Orleans, and Gay Wheeler Schuster of Zurich, Switzerland; to
2-24 his grandchildren, Joanne Delk and Karen Delk of Houston, Maya
2-25 Schuster, Susanna Schuster, and Anja Gunthardt of Zurich,
2-26 Switzerland, Jackson Wheeler of El Paso, and Margaret and Hanagan
2-27 Johnson of New Orleans; and to the many other relatives and friends
3-1 of this honorable gentleman; and, be it further
3-2 RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared
3-3 for the members of his family and that when the Texas House of
3-4 Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Robert E.
3-5 Kennedy.
3-6 Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Robert E.
3-7 Kennedy.
3-8 Hunter of Taylor
3-9 H.R. No. 348
3-10 _______________________________
3-11 Speaker of the House
3-12 I certify that H.R. No. 348 was unanimously adopted by a
3-13 rising vote of the House on March 3, 1993.
3-14 _______________________________
3-15 Chief Clerk of the House