H.C.R. No. 183
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
1-1 WHEREAS, The State of Texas recently suffered a profound loss
1-2 with the passing of the Honorable Robert E. Johnson on March 26,
1-3 1995; and
1-4 WHEREAS, Born January 15, 1929, in Dallas, Bob Johnson became
1-5 one of the state's most respected public servants over the course
1-6 of a multifaceted career in which he would draw on his considerable
1-7 talents to serve the citizens of this state as a legislator, as a
1-8 state agency head, as house parliamentarian, and, most recently, as
1-9 parliamentarian of the Texas Senate; and
1-10 WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson began his career in public office with
1-11 his election to the Texas House of Representatives in 1956 and
1-12 quickly earned a reputation among his peers as a voice of
1-13 moderation and reason; he served as a state representative until
1-14 1963, when he accepted the position of executive director of the
1-15 Texas Legislative Council; and
1-16 WHEREAS, For 17 years, Mr. Johnson provided outstanding
1-17 leadership to the council; and, while guiding the agency's
1-18 development, he undertook the additional responsibility of service
1-19 as house parliamentarian, and in that role, developed a mastery of
1-20 house rules and procedure that was without equal; and
1-21 WHEREAS, An attorney by profession, Mr. Johnson left the
1-22 council in 1980 to pursue a career as an administrative law
1-23 practitioner and lobbyist; in 1991 he heeded the call of his
1-24 longtime friend, Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, to reenter the
2-1 field of public service as senate parliamentarian; and
2-2 WHEREAS, Noted for his impressive and intricate knowledge of
2-3 state government, Robert E. Johnson conscientiously and wisely
2-4 served seven governors, four lieutenant governors, and eight
2-5 speakers over the course of his truly commendable career, and his
2-6 achievements have left an indelible impression on Texas government;
2-7 and
2-8 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this state to adorn the walls of
2-9 our magnificent Capitol with paintings depicting individuals and
2-10 events that have helped to shape the future of this state; few are
2-11 as deserving of this honor as is the late Robert E. Johnson, whose
2-12 myriad contributions as a public servant have greatly enhanced the
2-13 lives of countless Texans; now, therefore, be it
2-14 RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas
2-15 hereby direct the State Preservation Board to hang a portrait of
2-16 Robert E. Johnson in a suitable location in the State Capitol as a
2-17 tribute to this distinguished Texan and the significant role he
2-18 played in the continued development and progress of our state; and,
2-19 be it further
2-20 RESOLVED, That the secretary of state forward an official
2-21 copy of this resolution to the executive director of the State
2-22 Preservation Board.