H.R. No. 914
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Dr. William deVlaming on April 21,
1-2 1995, at the age of 78, has deeply saddened the many friends and
1-3 relatives of this esteemed physician and lifetime resident of
1-4 Kaufman; and
1-5 WHEREAS, Known throughout the community as "Dr. Bill,"
1-6 William deVlaming was born in Kaufman on December 18, 1916, to
1-7 Gladys and Neville deVlaming, and as a young man sought to further
1-8 his education in college, graduating from Texas Christian
1-9 University and Vanderbilt University; and
1-10 WHEREAS, Receiving his medical degree shortly before World
1-11 War II, this outstanding Texan proudly served his country in the
1-12 war as a flight surgeon stationed in England and also served in the
1-13 China-India-Burma operations, demonstrating exceptional valor that
1-14 earned him several military decorations, including the
1-15 Distinguished Unit Citation, the Soldier's Medal, and the
1-16 Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars; and
1-17 WHEREAS, In 1943 he married a local girl, the lovely Helen
1-18 Huston of Kemp, beginning a rewarding partnership that would be
1-19 blessed with two highly accomplished sons, Dr. William H. deVlaming
1-20 of Redding, California, and Dr. David deVlaming of Fort Worth,
1-21 both of whom elected to follow in their father's footsteps in
1-22 pursuing an advanced education; and
1-23 WHEREAS, After the war, Dr. deVlaming returned to Kaufman and
1-24 established a family practice in which he provided nearly four
2-1 decades of outstanding medical care to area citizens from 1945
2-2 until his retirement in 1983, earning the lasting respect and
2-3 admiration of the community for his around-the-clock dedication to
2-4 his patients, his clinical expertise, and his kindly bedside
2-5 manner; and
2-6 WHEREAS, This skilled doctor also devoted his time to
2-7 enhancing the medical services available in the area as a key
2-8 organizer and board member of the first hospital established in the
2-9 community, Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman; a consummate
2-10 professional, he was highly regarded by his colleagues in the Texas
2-11 Medical Association and was a charter fellow of the American
2-12 Academy of Family Physicians; and
2-13 WHEREAS, Active in civic affairs as well, Dr. deVlaming was a
2-14 prominent member of the Lions Club and the American Legion and a
2-15 longtime member of the First Christian Church of Kaufman; in his
2-16 later years, this devoted family man spent much of his time
2-17 farming, ranching, and sharing many happy moments visiting and
2-18 reminiscing with his family and extensive circle of friends; and
2-19 WHEREAS, Much loved by his community, "Dr. Bill" deVlaming
2-20 presided over the medical needs of Kaufman citizens with the utmost
2-21 care and diligence and made a positive difference in the lives of
2-22 his many patients, friends, and colleagues; though this fine man is
2-23 gone from us now, the memory of his great compassion, goodwill, and
2-24 kindness will long endure in the hearts of the many people whose
2-25 lives he touched while on this earth; now, therefore, be it
2-26 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
2-27 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. William deVlaming
3-1 and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his
3-2 wife, Helen; to his sons, Dr. William H. deVlaming and his wife,
3-3 Mary, and Dr. David deVlaming and his wife, Cay; to his beloved
3-4 grandchildren, Todd, Jessica, Ian, and Catherine; and to his many
3-5 other friends and relatives; and, be it further
3-6 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-7 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
3-8 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
3-9 Dr. William deVlaming.