By Telford H.R. No. 165 76R5672 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Vasco Russell on October 2, 1998, at 1-2 the age of 85, brought a great loss to the many friends and 1-3 relatives of this respected DeKalb resident; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born in DeKalb in 1913, he was a descendant of one 1-5 of the area's oldest settlers, John Harty; Mr. Russell graduated 1-6 from East Texas State Teacher's College and served his nation with 1-7 distinction during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army Air 1-8 Corps; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Mr. Russell began his career in the field of 1-10 education in 1936 at Old Salem School and went on to serve as 1-11 principal at Simms for three years; after completing his military 1-12 service, he resumed his career as principal at Mount Sterling and 1-13 at Hubbard School; and 1-14 WHEREAS, In 1956 this esteemed educator became principal at 1-15 DeKalb Elementary and Junior High School, and he continued in that 1-16 position at the elementary school when the campuses were divided; 1-17 an outstanding administrator and classroom teacher, Mr. Russell 1-18 emphasized academic excellence but also found time to play football 1-19 with students during recess until his retirement in 1978; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Mr. Russell was an active member of the First United 1-21 Methodist Church in DeKalb, where he participated in the Methodist 1-22 Men's Sunday School Class, and he also devoted his time and energy 1-23 to the Western Bowie County Retired Teachers; and 1-24 WHEREAS, The many individuals who were privileged to know 2-1 Mr. Russell will long miss his presence, and he will surely be 2-2 remembered with great affection and admiration for many years to 2-3 come; now, therefore, be it 2-4 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-5 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Vasco Russell and 2-6 extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his 2-7 daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Mark Ray; to his son and 2-8 daughter-in-law, Dr. J. Michael Russell and Margaret Russell; to 2-9 his sister, Cledyth White; to his sister-in-law, Mary Walker; to 2-10 his brother-in-law, James Tidwell; to his grandchildren, 2-11 Mary-Caitlin Ray, Oliver Ray, and James Michael Russell; and to his 2-12 nieces and nephews; and, be it further 2-13 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-14 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-15 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-16 Vasco Russell.