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