By Hunter H.R. No. 710 75R12475 SAJ-D 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 2-24 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-25 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-26 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-27 Watkins Reynolds "Watt" Matthews.