H.R. No. 379 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The death of Austin resident Felipe D. Acosta on 1-2 March 3, 1995, at the age of 71, has brought a great loss to the 1-3 many friends and relatives of this distinguished Texan; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born in Lockhart, Mr. Acosta was raised in Austin 1-5 and will be remembered throughout the Capitol City for his 1-6 outstanding contributions to his nation, state, and community; and 1-7 WHEREAS, During World War II this patriotic American enlisted 1-8 in the United States Army, serving his country with honor and 1-9 distinction as a sergeant tank commander of the 706th Tank 1-10 Battalion; his experiences as a soldier deeply influenced every 1-11 aspect of his life, and throughout the years Mr. Acosta remained a 1-12 proud member of numerous veterans organizations, including the 1-13 American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and 1-14 WHEREAS, A member of the Catholic War Veterans since 1947, 1-15 Mr. Acosta was instrumental in organizing new posts throughout 1-16 Texas and served for two years as state commander; his longtime 1-17 dedication to the Catholic War Veterans was recognized nationally 1-18 in 1991, when he was awarded this notable organization's highest 1-19 honor, the Saint Sebastian Medal; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Mr. Acosta was an active member of the Knights of 1-21 Columbus and attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for many years, 1-22 serving as president of the parish council and the parish life 1-23 committee, and his integrity and unwavering faith were an 1-24 inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing him; and 2-1 WHEREAS, This extraordinary individual also committed himself 2-2 to making Austin a better place in which to work, live, and raise a 2-3 family; he was a founder and president of the Political Association 2-4 of Spanish Organizations and also served as president of several 2-5 parent-teacher associations over the years; and 2-6 WHEREAS, During the course of his rich and productive life, 2-7 this hardworking gentleman found success in many different 2-8 occupations and before his retirement served for 18 years as a 2-9 federal protective officer; and 2-10 WHEREAS, Above all else, Mr. Acosta was a dedicated family 2-11 man who enjoyed a happy and successful marriage with his wife of 43 2-12 years, Beatrice, and who took tremendous pride in his five children 2-13 and 11 grandchildren; and 2-14 WHEREAS, Those who were privileged to know this outstanding 2-15 Texan will not quickly forget the kindness, compassion, and 2-16 dedication he displayed in every facet of his life, and although 2-17 his presence is gone from us now, his memory will continue to live 2-18 on in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched during his 2-19 years on this earth; now, therefore, be it 2-20 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-21 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Felipe D. Acosta and 2-22 extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, 2-23 Beatrice G. Acosta; to his daughters and son-in-law, Irene Acosta, 2-24 Elizabeth Acosta, and Margaret and Joe Guerrero; to his sons and 2-25 daughters-in-law, Mario and Barbara Acosta and Philip and Imelda 2-26 Acosta; to his sisters and brothers-in-law, Trinidad and Francisco 2-27 Leos and Petra and Alfonso Garcia; and to his many other friends 3-1 and relatives; and, be it further 3-2 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-3 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 3-4 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 3-5 Felipe D. Acosta.