By Holzheauser H.R. No. 483 75R9483 JHS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Leo Welder on July 31, 1996, at the 1-2 age of 73, brought a great loss to the family and many friends of 1-3 this esteemed gentleman; and 1-4 WHEREAS, A native of Victoria, Mr. Welder was a prominent and 1-5 influential member of that historic community and was highly valued 1-6 as a civic leader; a rancher and banker by occupation, this 1-7 dedicated individual devoted a tremendous amount of time and energy 1-8 to helping his fellow citizens; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Mr. Welder had served as chairman of the board of 1-10 directors for First Victoria National Bank since 1982 and was 1-11 associated with that institution for almost 46 years; during his 1-12 time on the board, this forward-looking individual did much to 1-13 advance the bank's standing in the community, instituting such 1-14 financial innovations as investment and insurance services, and 1-15 other programs not traditionally associated with banking; and 1-16 WHEREAS, His two-year stint as president of the Texas and 1-17 Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association was highly successful, and 1-18 his professional and civic endeavors helped earn him "Man of the 1-19 Year" honors from the Victoria Jaycees in 1957, as well as the 1-20 Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce's "Outstanding Citizen of the 1-21 Year" award in 1980; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Mr. Welder's commitment to and passion for education 1-23 were evidenced through his service on the board of trustees at 1-24 Victoria College from 1954 to 1985; before that lengthy tenure, he 2-1 helped shape the course of Texas A&I University in Kingsville as a 2-2 trustee of the school's board during the 1950s; and 2-3 WHEREAS, A loyal family man, Mr. Welder went out of his way 2-4 to cheer up those around him, always offering words of 2-5 encouragement to his family members and to the many people who were 2-6 fortunate to call this distinguished gentleman their friend; his 2-7 good nature was infectious and his love of life was legendary, and 2-8 many a dark mood was lightened by his very presence; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Leo Welder was a man of rare compassion and 2-10 integrity, and though his guidance and devotion will be missed by 2-11 those people whose lives he touched, his spirit will live on in the 2-12 hearts of all who knew him; now, therefore, be it 2-13 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-14 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Leo Welder and extend 2-15 sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, 2-16 Virginia Callan Welder; to his sons, Roger Welder, Jimmy Welder, 2-17 Smithy Welder, and Bevans Welder; to his daughters, Lucy Brower and 2-18 Elizabeth Welder; to his grandchildren; and to the many other 2-19 relatives and friends of this beloved man; and, be it further 2-20 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-21 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-22 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-23 Leo Welder.