By Uher                                                H.R. No. 622
         76R6122 MDM-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The family and many friends of former State
 1-2     Representative G. R.  "Bob" Close were greatly saddened by his
 1-3     passing on October 19, 1998, at the age of 68, and we join them in
 1-4     mourning the loss of this notable Texan; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Mr. Close began his college education at Texas Tech
 1-6     University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business
 1-7     administration and lettered in football each of his four years
 1-8     there; he continued his pursuit of academic excellence at The
 1-9     University of Texas, obtaining a degree in law and graduating with
1-10     honors; and
1-11           WHEREAS, During his successful legal career, he was a partner
1-12     in the Perryton firm of Lemon, Close, Atkinson, Shearer and
1-13     McCutcheon and served with distinction for 12 years as county
1-14     attorney in Ochiltree County; he also generously shared his
1-15     business expertise as director of a savings and loan association in
1-16     Perryton; and
1-17           WHEREAS, Mr. Close was committed to public service and worked
1-18     diligently for the good of his constituents in District 64, a
1-19     10-county Panhandle region; this fine gentleman served three terms
1-20     in the Texas House of Representatives, helping to steer the
1-21     Constitutional Revision Committee as vice chairman and contributing
1-22     his talent to the Natural Resources and Local and Consent Calendar
1-23     committees; and
1-24           WHEREAS, In 1980, he joined Governor Bill Clements's staff as
 2-1     assistant legislative liaison representative and worked with both
 2-2     houses of the legislature on issues of concern to Texans; and
 2-3           WHEREAS, Mr. Close was a highly valued member of his
 2-4     community and this state, and he made significant contributions to
 2-5     bettering the quality of life for all Texans; though his presence
 2-6     will be deeply missed by those fortunate enough to have known him,
 2-7     he will surely be remembered with great admiration for many years
 2-8     to come; now, therefore, be it
 2-9           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-10     Legislature hereby pay tribute to The Honorable G. R. "Bob" Close
2-11     and extend sincere sympathy to all his many loved ones; and, be it
2-12     further
2-13           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-14     prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
2-15     Representatives adjourns this day, it do so memory of G. R. "Bob"
2-16     Close.