R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The passing of former State Representative Vernon
 1-2     Beckham on February 21, 1998, at the age of 86, has brought a great
 1-3     loss to the family and many friends of this able Texas statesman;
 1-4     and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Mr. Beckham was born on October 22, 1911, near
 1-6     Ardmore, Oklahoma, and grew up in Denison; a proud patriot, he
 1-7     served with distinction in the U.S.  Army during World War II; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, Upon returning home after the war, Mr. Beckham
 1-9     attended Southern Methodist University and completed a program in
1-10     insurance management and underwriting; for many years he was
1-11     affiliated with the Bruno-Beckham Insurance Agency in Denison,
1-12     which he later owned; and
1-13           WHEREAS, Mr. Beckham represented Grayson County in the Texas
1-14     House of Representatives between 1963 and 1972 and is especially
1-15     remembered for his dedicated efforts in behalf of Grayson County
1-16     Junior College and the establishment of the Eisenhower Birthplace
1-17     State Historical Park in Denison; and
1-18           WHEREAS, Though his warmth and gentle counsel will be deeply
1-19     missed, surely his spirit lives on in the hearts and memories of
1-20     the many people whose lives he touched, and it is indeed fitting to
1-21     honor his memory at this time; now, therefore, be it
1-22           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th
1-23     Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay tribute to the life of
1-24     Vernon Beckham and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his
 2-1     family: to his daughter, Marie Louise, and her husband, Jack Tiner;
 2-2     to his grandson, Dale Dingley, Jr.; to his two great-grandchildren;
 2-3     and to the many other relatives and friends of this esteemed
 2-4     gentleman; and, be it further
 2-5           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
 2-6     prepared for the members of his family and that when the House of
 2-7     Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of the
 2-8     Honorable Vernon Beckham.
                                                                        Uher
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 216 was unanimously adopted by a
         rising vote of the House on April 16, 1999.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House