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 50 happy and rewarding years of marriage is truly a

 1-3     memorable occasion worthy of special recognition; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, Gene and Betty Jo Cantrell of Sherman commemorated

 1-5     such a momentous event in their lives when they celebrated their

 1-6     golden wedding anniversary on March 8, 1997, with a festive dinner

 1-7     hosted by their children; and

 1-8           WHEREAS, United in matrimony in Hackleburg, Alabama, the

 1-9     Cantrells have nurtured an enduring relationship that has grown in

1-10     love and mutual respect with each passing year and that has been

1-11     blessed with four children, Patricia, Thomas, Nancy, and Jimmy; and

1-12           WHEREAS, Throughout their life together, the couple have been

1-13     industrious and valued members of their community; Mr. Cantrell

1-14     enjoyed a lengthy and successful career in cotton manufacturing and

1-15     recently retired as president of a cotton-related company after 45

1-16     years of service in the industry; and

1-17           WHEREAS, His lovely and gracious wife devoted herself to

1-18     providing a warm and secure home for their family, and after her

1-19     children were grown, she pursued her career interests by working

1-20     with area nursing homes; and

1-21           WHEREAS, Now deservedly enjoying the many benefits of a full

1-22     life together, the Cantrells find they have more opportunities to

1-23     partake in their favorite pastimes, and they treasure the time they

1-24     spend with their family, which has grown to include their

 2-1     children's spouses, David, Carolyn, and Charles, and 10 cherished

 2-2     grandchildren; and

 2-3           WHEREAS, The couple also share an abiding faith as devout

 2-4     members of the First United Methodist Church of Sherman, where

 2-5     Mr. Cantrell has been involved in church activities for many years

 2-6     and has further served the denomination through his involvement

 2-7     with the North Texas Methodist Annual Conference; and

 2-8           WHEREAS, For a half-century, Gene and Betty Jo Cantrell have

 2-9     shared a warm and affectionate union filled with many happy times

2-10     and cherished family memories; built on a solid foundation of trust

2-11     and support, their life together has been a source of joy and

2-12     inspiration to their many friends and family; now, therefore, be it

2-13           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-14     Legislature hereby congratulate Gene and Betty Jo Cantrell on the

2-15     occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary and extend to them

2-16     warmest best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further

2-17           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-18     prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell as an expression of high regard

2-19     by the Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                       Clark

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 540 was adopted by the House on April

         18, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House