By: Turner S.R. No. 1061
1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION
1-2 In Memory
1-3 of
1-4 Ralph Leroy Stuart
1-5 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins with the
1-6 citizens of Crockett in mourning the loss of one of the city's most
1-7 esteemed and well-loved citizens, Ralph Leroy Stuart, who died
1-8 April 19, 1993, at the age of 75; and
1-9 WHEREAS, He was distinguished among Crockett citizens for
1-10 his contributions of his time and energy to young people, for his
1-11 exceptional artistic abilities, and for his "Old Geezer" column
1-12 in the Houston County Courier; and
1-13 WHEREAS, Ralph Stuart endeared himself to those who worked
1-14 with him through his gentleness and his friendship; he cared deeply
1-15 for the people of the community and they in turn valued his
1-16 companionship; and
1-17 WHEREAS, Widely known for his artistic abilities,
1-18 Mr. Stuart freely offered his talents as an artist to the
1-19 Davy Crockett Art League and assisted aspiring artists in any
1-20 way he could; he appreciated the beauty around him and his fine
1-21 drawings of old houses and buildings captured the spirit of the
1-22 Victorian era; and
1-23 WHEREAS, A native of Jones, Oklahoma, Mr. Stuart was born
2-1 on August 10, 1917, and grew up in Oklahoma City; he attended
2-2 Oklahoma University where he studied commercial art; a member of
2-3 the United States Army Reserve from 1943 to 1952, he was honorably
2-4 discharged after active service in the Army Artillery; and
2-5 WHEREAS, A commercial artist in Galveston before becoming
2-6 advertising manager for The Houston Courier in Crockett on
2-7 April 1, 1983, he soon became a free-lance writer, photographer,
2-8 and cartoonist and was a familiar figure around Crockett taking
2-9 pictures for his stories; and
2-10 WHEREAS, The multitalented individual was gifted with a
2-11 magnificent voice, and he sang at the request of others at church
2-12 services, weddings, and funerals; and
2-13 WHEREAS, Although Ralph was a Baptist as a child, he became
2-14 a member of the First Presbyterian Church and was elected an elder
2-15 in 1985; he was a devout Christian who lived his faith in his daily
2-16 life, recognizing the many blessings that were bestowed on him; and
2-17 WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband and father who was
2-18 especially proud of his children and grandchildren and their
2-19 accomplishments; and
2-20 WHEREAS, The death of such a fine citizen is felt not only
2-21 by his family and friends, but also by the people who benefitted
2-22 from his generosity and community spirit; it is appropriate for the
2-23 Texas Senate to honor the memory of this esteemed individual; now,
2-24 therefore, be it
2-25 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
3-1 73rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the members
3-2 of his family: his wife, Ruth; his son, Ralph Stuart, Jr.; his son
3-3 and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Marla Stuart; his adopted children,
3-4 Paul and Evelyn Van Nieuwenhuize and Joane and David Walvoord; and
3-5 his four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and, be it
3-6 further
3-7 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
3-8 the members of his family as an expression of the deepest sympathy
3-9 from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day,
3-10 it do so in memory of Ralph Leroy Stuart.
3-11 _____________________________________
3-12 President of the Senate
3-13 I hereby certify that the
3-14 above Resolution was adopted by
3-15 the Senate on May 25, 1993,
3-16 by a rising vote.
3-17 _____________________________________
3-18 Secretary of the Senate
3-19 _____________________________________
3-20 Member, Texas Senate