By Goolsby H.R. No. 565 74R8610 BNL-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Former Governor William P. Clements, Jr., will 1-2 celebrate his 78th birthday on April 13, 1995, and the members of 1-3 this chamber are proud to join with his family and friends in 1-4 recognizing this grand occasion; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A native Texan, Governor Clements was born and 1-6 reared in Dallas, where he continued his education at Southern 1-7 Methodist University; like many Texans of his generation, he sought 1-8 his fortune in the oil fields as a young man, working as a 1-9 roughneck and driller in the late 1930s; and 1-10 WHEREAS, His success in the oil industry led him to found 1-11 SEDCO, Inc., in 1947, and he served as chairman of the board and 1-12 chief executive officer of that company for many years; he later 1-13 used his vast expertise and experience to serve his colleagues as 1-14 president of the American Association of Oil Well Drilling 1-15 Contractors; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Governor Clements began his eminent career in public 1-17 service as deputy secretary of the United States Department of 1-18 Defense from 1973 to 1977; he served on presidential commissions 1-19 examining issues of strategic forces and Central American conflict, 1-20 and in recognition of his outstanding efforts, he was awarded the 1-21 department's Distinguished Public Service medal and received the 1-22 Bronze Palm from President Gerald Ford; and 1-23 WHEREAS, He served as governor of Texas from 1979 to 1982, 1-24 and again from 1987 to 1990, becoming the state's first Republican 2-1 governor since Reconstruction; his dedication and vision during a 2-2 time of unprecedented economic and political change inspired his 2-3 colleagues to elect him to leadership positions in the Southern 2-4 Governors Association and the National Governors Association; and 2-5 WHEREAS, During his second term, Governor Clements was at the 2-6 forefront of efforts to repair and restore the historic State 2-7 Capitol, which had suffered under the strain of overcrowding and a 2-8 recent fire; on April 21, 1995, after nine years of hard work and 2-9 painstaking attention to detail, the Capitol Rededication Ceremony 2-10 will officially open a new chapter in this building's history, and 2-11 all Texans will be able to enjoy the fruits of Governor Clements's 2-12 most significant public works project; and 2-13 WHEREAS, Throughout his many endeavors, this distinguished 2-14 gentleman has enjoyed the love and support of his gracious wife, 2-15 Rita Crocker Clements, and two children, B. Gill Clements and Nancy 2-16 Clements Seay; and 2-17 WHEREAS, This year marks the 150th year of Texas statehood, 2-18 and as we commemorate this august occasion it is only fitting that 2-19 we pause to honor some of the great leaders that have guided Texas 2-20 throughout its proud history; William P. Clements, Jr., is one such 2-21 distinguished leader, and the members of this chamber are proud to 2-22 recognize his many contributions to the Lone Star State on the 2-23 occasion of his birthday; now, therefore, be it 2-24 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-25 Legislature hereby congratulate the Honorable William P. Clements, 2-26 Jr., on the occasion of his birthday and extend to him warmest best 2-27 wishes for many more years of success and happiness; and, be it 3-1 further 3-2 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-3 prepared for Governor Clements as an expression of high regard by 3-4 the Texas House of Representatives.