R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, The passing of Colonel John Phillip Crawford, Sr.,

 1-2     on April 3, 1996, at the age of 66, brought a great loss to the

 1-3     family and friends of this beloved gentleman, and on the first

 1-4     anniversary of his death, it is appropriate that we pay tribute to

 1-5     his life; and

 1-6           WHEREAS, Born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 17, 1929, Colonel

 1-7     Crawford was educated in the public schools of Texarkana; a college

 1-8     honor student, he earned his bachelor's degree in 1952 from

 1-9     Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and in 1957 he

1-10     received his law degree from The University of Texas; and

1-11           WHEREAS, One of the greatest achievements of this

1-12     distinguished gentleman's life occurred on July 1, 1963, when he

1-13     became Texas' first African-American assistant attorney general;

1-14     his drive and determination set an example for citizens everywhere

1-15     and helped to broaden career opportunities for other

1-16     African-Americans; and

1-17           WHEREAS, A veteran of the Korean War, this patriotic Texan

1-18     received the Combat Infantry Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the

1-19     United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service

1-20     Medal, and following his honorable discharge, he attained the rank

1-21     of colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve; and

1-22           WHEREAS, Colonel Crawford was a devoted family man who

1-23     enjoyed a strong and lasting relationship with his wife of 29

1-24     years, Bettye Raphael Crawford, until her passing; well known for

 2-1     his dedication to young people, he demonstrated his commitment to

 2-2     future generations by serving on the executive board of the Capitol

 2-3     Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and offering his services

 2-4     as a speaker to a variety of Austin youth organizations; and

 2-5           WHEREAS, Colonel John Phillip Crawford, Sr., was a man of

 2-6     rare strength and compassion, and although his guidance and

 2-7     devotion have been missed by all who knew him, his spirit has lived

 2-8     on in the hearts and minds of the many individuals whose lives he

 2-9     touched; now, therefore, be it

2-10           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-11     Legislature hereby honor the memory of Colonel John Phillip

2-12     Crawford, Sr., and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his

2-13     family: to his daughter and son-in-law, Phillicia Yvette Crawford

2-14     Lee and Flynn A.  Lee; to his son, John Phillip Crawford, Jr.; to

2-15     his grandchildren, Raphael Crawford Lee and Mariah Janae Lee; and

2-16     to the many other relatives and friends of this esteemed gentleman;

2-17     and, be it further

2-18           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-19     prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas

2-20     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of

2-21     Colonel John Phillip Crawford, Sr.

                                                                     Edwards

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 532 was unanimously adopted by a

         rising vote of the House on April 3, 1997.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House