R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, The passing of Watkins Reynolds "Watt" Matthews on

 1-2     April 13, 1997, at the age of 98, has brought a great loss to the

 1-3     family and many friends of this esteemed Shackleford County rancher

 1-4     and philanthropist; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, Mr. Matthews was born February 1, 1899, to John and

 1-6     Sallie Reynolds Matthews and was well known as manager of the

 1-7     family's historic 53,000-acre Lambshead Ranch; one of the first

 1-8     ranchers in the state to implement extensive brush control, cross

 1-9     fencing, and deferred grazing techniques, he  was recognized

1-10     nationally for his outstanding range management skills; and

1-11           WHEREAS, In addition to raising purebred Herefords,

1-12     Mr. Matthews reinstated Longhorn cattle on his land, and he was the

1-13     first American to export cattle to Hungary; he generously shared

1-14     his expertise with others in leadership capacities with the state

1-15     and national chapters of the Hereford Association, the Texas and

1-16     Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, and the National Cattleman's

1-17     Association; and

1-18           WHEREAS, Mr. Matthews worked diligently to preserve Lambshead

1-19     Ranch's rich heritage through his work on numerous restoration

1-20     projects; he refurbished many of the original buildings, and he was

1-21     honored for his substantial efforts with several prestigious

1-22     accolades; and

1-23           WHEREAS, Throughout his lifetime, he remained deeply

1-24     committed to the region he so dearly loved; he provided crucial

 2-1     leadership and support to the arts through his involvement with the

 2-2     Fort Griffith Fandangle Association, and he helped to endow a

 2-3     scholarship fund in his name at Hardin-Simmons University, enabling

 2-4     many deserving students to further their education; and

 2-5           WHEREAS, A longtime director of the First National Bank in

 2-6     Abilene, Mr. Matthews was also active with the West Texas

 2-7     Rehabilitation Center, and he shared his enthusiasm for agriculture

 2-8     with the area's young people through his participation in the

 2-9     Shackleford County Livestock Show; and

2-10           WHEREAS, Mr. Matthews received numerous awards for his

2-11     remarkable accomplishments and was the subject of many books; he

2-12     will also be remembered for his hospitality, and his gracious

2-13     nature earned him a reputation as the host of the Clear Fork

2-14     country; and

2-15           WHEREAS, A man of immense vision and strength, Watt Matthews

2-16     left an indelible mark on the West Texas community, and though his

2-17     presence will be deeply missed, his memory will long endure in the

2-18     hearts and minds of all who were privileged to know him; now,

2-19     therefore, be it

2-20           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-21     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Watkins Reynolds

2-22     "Watt" Matthews and extend sincere sympathy to his family and many

2-23     friends; and, be it further

 3-1           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

 3-2     prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas

 3-3     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of

 3-4     Watkins Reynolds "Watt" Matthews.

                                                                      Hunter

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 710 was unanimously adopted by a

         rising vote of the House on April 24, 1997.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House