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