R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Francis C. Ward on April 14, 1997, at 1-2 the age of 78, has brought a great loss to the family and many 1-3 friends of this esteemed Gatesville resident; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born August 17, 1918, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, he 1-5 wed the lovely Adeline Powell on March 4, 1944, and the couple 1-6 nurtured a deeply fulfilling union that spanned 53 years; and 1-7 WHEREAS, Mr. Ward was a member of the Gatesville City Council 1-8 from 1968 to 1976, and he further served his fellow citizens as 1-9 mayor pro-tem during his tenure; this public-spirited gentleman 1-10 also worked for the betterment of the community as a member of the 1-11 city's planning and zoning commission, and his stalwart commitment 1-12 earned him the appreciation of many people; and 1-13 WHEREAS, A World War II veteran, he was a former vice 1-14 president of Kalyn Industries, and he was also employed as co-owner 1-15 and operator of Powell's Chevrolet for 45 years; and 1-16 WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Ward was sustained by his 1-17 abiding faith as a devout member of the First United Methodist 1-18 Church in Gatesville, where he taught Sunday school and held many 1-19 leadership posts through the years; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Francis Ward left an indelible mark on the community 1-21 he was proud to call home, and though his special presence will be 1-22 deeply missed, his memory will long endure in the hearts and minds 1-23 of all who knew and 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 Francis C. Ward and 2-2 extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, 2-3 Adeline Ward; to his son, John Ward; to his two grandchildren; and 2-4 to the many other friends and relatives of this esteemed Texan; 2-5 and, be it further 2-6 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-7 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-8 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-9 Francis C. Ward. Place _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 834 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 23, 1997. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House