R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, The passing of Donald W. Hilliard on March 3, 1997,

 1-2     at the age of 60, has brought a great loss to the family and many

 1-3     friends of this distinguished Slocum resident; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, Born January 6, 1937, in Tichnor, Arkansas,

 1-5     Mr. Hilliard served his community admirably as a volunteer

 1-6     firefighter, and he left a legacy of innovation and stalwart

 1-7     commitment that will continue to inspire others for many years to

 1-8     come; and

 1-9           WHEREAS, This eminent Texan was an organizer and the chief of

1-10     the Slocum Volunteer Fire Department, and he further addressed the

1-11     emergency health care and safety needs of his fellow residents as a

1-12     member of the Anderson County Volunteer Firefighters Association

1-13     and the Anderson County First Responders; and

1-14           WHEREAS, Mr. Hilliard enjoyed a successful career with

1-15     Safeway Grocery Store, retiring after 25 years of noteworthy

1-16     service; he was also highly regarded for his work in the field of

1-17     education both as a former board member of the Slocum Independent

1-18     School District and as an instructor for Windham Schools; and

1-19           WHEREAS, A man of immense vision and strength, Donald

1-20     Hilliard left an indelible mark on the community he was proud to

1-21     call home, and though his presence will be deeply missed, his

1-22     memory will long endure in the hearts and minds of all who knew and

1-23     loved him; now, therefore, be it

1-24           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

 2-1     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Donald W. Hilliard

 2-2     and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his

 2-3     beloved wife, Rita Prater Hilliard; to his daughter, LaDonna

 2-4     Jenkins; to his sons, William Hilliard and Scott Hilliard; to his

 2-5     sisters, Jean Wildman, Pauline Chapman, Wanda Block, Ruby Lawrence,

 2-6     and Irene Leggett; to his five grandchildren; and to the many other

 2-7     friends and relatives of this esteemed Texan; and, be it further

 2-8           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

 2-9     prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas

2-10     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of

2-11     Donald W. Hilliard.

                                                                     Staples

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 621 was unanimously adopted by a

         rising vote of the House on May 2, 1997.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House