R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, The family and many friends of Otto A. Lawson were

 1-2     deeply saddened by the passing of this esteemed gentleman on

 1-3     January 9, 1997, at the age of 94; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, A native of Bell County, Mr. Lawson was born May 9,

 1-5     1902; he married the former Leota Jones on June 8, 1924, and the

 1-6     couple enjoyed a happy and fulfilling marriage for more than six

 1-7     decades; and

 1-8           WHEREAS, Mr. Lawson and his wife were longtime residents of

 1-9     Knox City, where they owned and operated City Hardware for many

1-10     years; Mr. Lawson further contributed to the community as a Shriner

1-11     and as a member of First United Methodist Church; and

1-12           WHEREAS, In addition, Mr. Lawson was a 32nd degree Mason, and

1-13     he treasured the many friendships he formed as a valued member of

1-14     Orient Lodge #905; a charter member of the Knox City Lions Club as

1-15     well, he was awarded that organization's prestigious Melvin D.

1-16     Jones Award for his exceptional service; and

1-17           WHEREAS, Both as a businessman and as a devoted civic leader,

1-18     Otto Lawson left an indelible mark on the community he was proud to

1-19     call home, and it is fitting he be remembered for his many

1-20     contributions; now, therefore, be it

1-21           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

1-22     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Otto A. Lawson and

1-23     extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his son

1-24     and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Elsie Lawson; to his grandsons,

 2-1     Kenneth A. Lawson, Jr., and James Eiland; to his five

 2-2     great-grandchildren; and to all the relatives and many friends of

 2-3     this eminent Texan; and, be it further

 2-4           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

 2-5     prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas

 2-6     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of

 2-7     Otto A.  Lawson.

                                                                      Counts

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 425 was unanimously adopted by a

         rising vote of the House on April 11, 1997.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House