By: Wentworth S.R. No. 1171
1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION
1-2 In Memory
1-3 of
1-4 John M. Bennett, Jr.
1-5 WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost a valued citizen and
1-6 friend with the death of John M. Bennett, Jr., who passed away
1-7 recently at his family ranch near Victoria, Texas, at the age of
1-8 84; and
1-9 WHEREAS, A nationally known military leader and
1-10 businessman, Mr. Bennett spent his life in the service of his
1-11 country and his state; and
1-12 WHEREAS, The native San Antonian was born on June 26, 1908,
1-13 and attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts; he
1-14 received his college education at Princeton University and
1-15 The University of Texas, where he earned his bachelor of arts
1-16 degree; and
1-17 WHEREAS, John Bennett married Eleanor Freeborn in the 1930s
1-18 and they enjoyed a long and happy life together; he was a loving
1-19 father who provided a warm and nurturing home for his son and
1-20 daughters; and
1-21 WHEREAS, A retired United States Air Force major general,
1-22 John Bennett flew B-17 bombers in the 8th Air Force over Germany
1-23 during World War II and commanded the 100th Bomb Group based in
2-1 England; and
2-2 WHEREAS, General Bennett led the first daylight bombing
2-3 raid over Berlin and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in
2-4 action; he also was in charge of the raid on the German heavy water
2-5 production facility in Norway that helped slow the German effort to
2-6 build an atomic bomb; and
2-7 WHEREAS, After the war the general returned to San Antonio
2-8 where he was involved in numerous businesses; he was past director
2-9 of the American General and Cordillera corporations; and
2-10 WHEREAS, Deeply interested in the development of the city,
2-11 General Bennett freely gave of his time and abilities to his
2-12 beloved community; he was a former chairman of the board of National
2-13 Bank of Commerce of San Antonio, the Greater San Antonio Chamber of
2-14 Commerce, and the City Public Service; and
2-15 WHEREAS, He served with distinction on the board of
2-16 regents of The University of Texas, as a trustee and treasurer of
2-17 Saint Mary's Hall School, as director and honorary chairman of the
2-18 Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and as an
2-19 organizer of the San Antonio Medical Foundation; and
2-20 WHEREAS, Deeply involved with the San Antonio Conservation
2-21 Society, he was also a member of the Texas Historical Commission;
2-22 and
2-23 WHEREAS, The author of several books, General Bennett
2-24 wrote an account of his experiences in the 8th Air Force,
2-25 Letters from England, and a history of the National Bank of
3-1 Commerce of San Antonio, Those Who Made It; and
3-2 WHEREAS, He was distinguished among San Antonio citizens
3-3 for his contributions of his time and energy to city government
3-4 and community affairs as well as for his business leadership; and
3-5 WHEREAS, The passing of such a fine Texan is felt not only
3-6 by his family and friends, but also by the people who benefitted
3-7 from his generosity and community spirit and it is appropriate for
3-8 the Texas Senate to honor the memory of this respected individual;
3-9 now, therefore, be it
3-10 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
3-11 73rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the members
3-12 of his family: his son, John S. Bennett; his daughters,
3-13 Eleanor Marlow and Carolyn Wood; his sister, Josephine Musgrave;
3-14 and his 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and, be it
3-15 further
3-16 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
3-17 the members of his family as an expression of the deepest sympathy
3-18 from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day,
3-19 it do so in memory of John M. Bennett, Jr.
3-20 _____________________________________
3-21 President of the Senate
3-22 I hereby certify that the
3-23 above Resolution was adopted by
3-24 the Senate on May 30, 1993,
3-25 by a rising vote.
4-1 _____________________________________
4-2 Secretary of the Senate
4-3 _____________________________________
4-4 Member, Texas Senate