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.