By Clark H.R. No. 453 75R8136 SMZ-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The wedding anniversary of two outstanding Texans 1-2 who have shared many happy and rewarding years of marriage is truly 1-3 a memorable occasion worthy of special praise and recognition; and 1-4 WHEREAS, William and Betty Thompson of Sherman recently had 1-5 the privilege of commemorating one such momentous event in their 1-6 lives when they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on 1-7 February 15, 1997; and 1-8 WHEREAS, United in matrimony on February 15, 1947, in 1-9 Sherman, the Thompsons have nurtured an enduring relationship that 1-10 has grown in love and mutual respect with each passing year and 1-11 that has been blessed with four children: Kenneth Thompson, 1-12 Theresa Stephens, Margaret Russell, and Marjorie LeFevre; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are now deservedly reaping the 1-14 many benefits of their full and active life together, and they 1-15 greatly treasure the time they spend with their family, which in 1-16 recent years has grown to include 13 grandchildren and three 1-17 great-grandchildren; and 1-18 WHEREAS, In his youth, Mr. Thompson served his country with 1-19 great distinction, fighting in the Pacific for the United States 1-20 Navy during World War II; after completing his military service, he 1-21 attended business college before beginning a successful career that 1-22 spanned 40 years until his retirement from Fisher Controls in 1991; 1-23 and 1-24 WHEREAS, Dedicated to work and family, Mrs. Thompson 2-1 tirelessly cultivated a vibrant and healthy household while 2-2 maintaining a successful career in the graphic arts field; 2-3 Mrs. Thompson is also well known for her delightful voice, which 2-4 she puts to good use singing and sharing the gospel music that she 2-5 loves; and 2-6 WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are both very involved in 2-7 their community, and as charter members of the Country Chapel 2-8 Baptist Church, they bring support and wisdom to their fellow 2-9 citizens in Sherman; active in the Order of the Eastern Star as 2-10 well, Mrs. Thompson is a Past Matron of Gate City Chapter No. 77 2-11 and Mr. Thompson is a Past Patron and present Worthy Patron of the 2-12 chapter; Mr. Thompson is also a member of Travis Masonic Lodge A.F. 2-13 & A.M. No. 117 and Valley of Dallas Scottish Rites Bodies; and 2-14 WHEREAS, For five decades, William and Betty Thompson have 2-15 enjoyed a strong and lasting marriage filled with many happy times 2-16 and cherished family memories; built on a solid foundation of 2-17 mutual understanding, trust, and support, their life together has 2-18 indeed been a source of joy and inspiration to the many friends and 2-19 relatives of this fortunate pair; now, therefore, be it 2-20 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-21 Legislature hereby congratulate William and Betty Thompson on the 2-22 joyous occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary and extend to 2-23 them warmest best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it 2-24 further 2-25 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-26 prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Thompson as an expression of high regard 2-27 by the Texas House of Representatives.