By:  Armbrister                                         S.R. No. 54

 1-1                                       1

 1-2                              SENATE RESOLUTION

 1-3                                  In Memory

 1-4                                     of

 1-5                               Dennis O'Connor

 1-6           WHEREAS, The citizens of Victoria and the State of Texas

 1-7     mourned the passing of prominent civic leader Dennis O'Connor,

 1-8     who died January 16, 1997, at the age of 90; and

 1-9           WHEREAS, A philanthropist, rancher, and oilman, Mr. O'Connor

1-10     was chairman of the TC Oil Company and Copano Oil Company, which

1-11     his family founded, until four years ago; and

1-12           WHEREAS, A member of a South Texas pioneering family, he was

1-13     the great-grandson of Thomas O'Connor, who was instrumental in

1-14     the formation of the Republic of Texas; born on October 31, 1906,

1-15     Dennis was the oldest son of Thomas and Kathryn Stoner O'Connor;

1-16     and

1-17           WHEREAS, After attending Dallas University, Dennis graduated

1-18     from The University of Texas; and

1-19           WHEREAS, He served his country honorably during World War II

1-20     in the United States Navy; after his tour with the navy,

1-21     Dennis O'Connor returned to his home to take over management of

1-22     Copano Cattle Company from his father; and

1-23           WHEREAS, A great benefactor of many civic causes,

 2-1     Mr. O'Connor provided a clinic funded by his many donations to the

 2-2     Citizens Medical Foundation; he also actively supported education,

 2-3     historical preservation, the Victoria Zoo, and Saint Joseph High

 2-4     School, and he founded the Six Flags Humane Society in Victoria;

 2-5     and

 2-6           WHEREAS, A longtime fishing enthusiast and outstanding

 2-7     photographer, he also enjoyed studying palm trees, animals, and

 2-8     meteorological findings; and

 2-9           WHEREAS, His generosity was legendary; he sought to help

2-10     those in need, especially children; and

2-11           WHEREAS, An exemplary and distinguished gentleman,

2-12     Dennis O'Connor was highly respected for his many accomplishments

2-13     and was a leader in his community; and

2-14           WHEREAS, Dennis O'Connor was a man of integrity and courage,

2-15     and his wisdom, warm sense of humor, and valued counsel will not

2-16     be forgotten by those who knew him; and

2-17           WHEREAS, Dennis O'Connor was a devoted husband, father,

2-18     and grandfather, and he leaves memories that will be treasured

2-19     forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it

2-20           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,

2-21     75th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the

2-22     members of his family:  his son, Robert J. Hewitt; his grandsons,

2-23     Robert J. Hewitt, Jr., and Dennis O'Connor Hewitt; his

2-24     granddaughter, Mary Austin Hewitt; and his great-granddaughter;

2-25     and, be it further

 3-1           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for

 3-2     the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy

 3-3     from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this

 3-4     day, it do so in memory of Dennis O'Connor.

 3-5                                  ______________________________________

 3-6                                         President of the Senate

 3-7                                       I hereby certify that the above

 3-8                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate

 3-9                                  on January 23, 1997, by a rising vote.

3-10                                  ______________________________________

3-11                                         Secretary of the Senate

3-12                                  ______________________________________

3-13                                           Member, Texas Senate