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