By: Brown S.R. No. 618
1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION
1-2 In Memory
1-3 of
1-4 C. V. Coppinger
1-5 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the residents
1-6 of Pearland in mourning the loss of one of the city's most esteemed
1-7 citizens, Mayor C. V. "Vic" Coppinger, who died March 28, 1995, at
1-8 the age of 76; and
1-9 WHEREAS, Born in Missouri City, Texas, Vic Coppinger attended
1-10 the University of Houston and served in the United States Air Force
1-11 during World War II as a radar bombardier-navigator in a B-29
1-12 squadron in the Pacific Theater; and
1-13 WHEREAS, A man of great stature in his community, Vic Coppinger
1-14 was dedicated to his work as Mayor of the City of Pearland and was
1-15 beloved by its citizens; and
1-16 WHEREAS, An exemplary and distinguished gentleman,
1-17 Mayor Coppinger was a tremendous source of strength to the people
1-18 of Pearland and his accomplishments as mayor and as a private
1-19 citizen are unparalleled; and
1-20 WHEREAS, Vic Coppinger was a highly respected civic leader
1-21 who served as president of the Lions Club in 1959 when the club was
1-22 the head of the city and there was no governmental structure; he
1-23 succeeded in securing land for a ball field and for the Lions Club
2-1 building; later, a portion of the land was used for developing a
2-2 city park and a municipal Olympic-sized swimming pool; and
2-3 WHEREAS, A man of vision and insight, Vic Coppinger played a
2-4 major role in obtaining the necessary vote for Pearland to become an
2-5 incorporated city, and during his tenure as mayor, he successfully
2-6 led the city through turbulent political times, providing its
2-7 residents with stable leadership and guidance; and
2-8 WHEREAS, Mr. Coppinger was active in the Rotary Club for over
2-9 35 years, was a member of the Lions Club for 25 years, and was the
2-10 founder of the Pearland Area Historical Society; active in the
2-11 Houston Chamber of Commerce, he was Pearland's Chairman for the
2-12 United Way in 1986 and 1987; and
2-13 WHEREAS, He was responsible for the creation of the Pearland
2-14 Young Men's Christian Association and served as the first chairman
2-15 of the Board of Management; he and his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Hausman
2-16 generously donated the land on which the future Tri-County Young
2-17 Men's Christian Association would be built, and he was named the
2-18 Pearland Young Men's Christian Association Volunteer of the Year in
2-19 1980 and received the Young Men's Christian Association Outstanding
2-20 Leadership Award for 1986; and
2-21 WHEREAS, An astute businessman and humanitarian, Mr. Coppinger
2-22 served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
2-23 West Side National Bank from 1984 to 1994; the bank became well
2-24 known for its generous support of the community and its efforts to
2-25 improve the quality of life for Pearland residents; and
3-1 WHEREAS, Since Mr. Coppinger's death, the Board of Directors
3-2 of the Greater Houston Young Men's Christian Association unanimously
3-3 approved the renaming of the Tri-County Young Men's Christian
3-4 Association in his honor, and the City of Pearland has declared that
3-5 city flags will be flown at half mast for seven days out of respect
3-6 for the mayor and his family; and
3-7 WHEREAS, A man of integrity, strength, compassion, and
3-8 generosity, he gave unselfishly of his time to others, and his
3-9 wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those
3-10 who knew him; and
3-11 WHEREAS, Vic Coppinger was a remarkably courageous and
3-12 inspirational figure, whose valor in the face of his illness touched
3-13 the lives of many; in spite of his difficult battle, he continued to
3-14 serve his community with dedication and to befriend those who needed
3-15 him; and
3-16 WHEREAS, A devout Christian, Mr. Coppinger was a member of the
3-17 First United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday school
3-18 teacher and chairman of the Administrative Board; and
3-19 WHEREAS, A man of many talents and interests, Mr. Coppinger
3-20 was a Civil War history enthusiast, enjoyed writing poetry and bird
3-21 watching, and was an avid reader; and
3-22 WHEREAS, Vic Coppinger lived his life to the fullest and was
3-23 a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who leaves behind
3-24 memories that will be treasured forever by his family and many
3-25 friends; now, therefore, be it
4-1 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
4-2 74th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
4-3 family of C. V. "Vic" Coppinger: his wife, Fran Coppinger; and his
4-4 five children; and, be it further
4-5 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the
4-6 members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the
4-7 Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so
4-8 in memory of Vic Coppinger.
4-9 ______________________________________
4-10 President of the Senate
4-11 I hereby certify that the above
4-12 Resolution was adopted by the Senate
4-13 on April 3, 1995, by a rising vote.
4-14 ______________________________________
4-15 Secretary of the Senate
4-16 ______________________________________
4-17 Member, Texas Senate