By Uher                                                H.R. No. 624
         76R6118 MDM-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The passing of the Honorable J. W. "Buck" Buchanan
 1-2     on December 20, 1998, at the age of 90, has brought a great loss to
 1-3     the family and many friends of this esteemed Texan; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Mr. Buchanan was born in 1908 near Erick, Oklahoma,
 1-5     and his family moved to Hansford in 1911; he graduated as class
 1-6     president from Spearman High School in 1929 and for two decades
 1-7     made his living as a cowboy; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, In 1951 he accepted a position with the Spearman
 1-9     Chamber of Commerce, which he ably guided as manager; turning to
1-10     the political arena, this distinguished gentleman twice represented
1-11     the citizens of Texas House of Representatives District 95, which
1-12     encompassed the Panhandle counties of Dallam, Hansford, Hartley,
1-13     Moore, Oldham, and Sherman; and
1-14           WHEREAS, Mr. Buchanan first held office as a state
1-15     representative from 1959 to 1962 and returned to the house to serve
1-16     again from 1981 to 1986; well respected as one of the legislature's
1-17     most knowledgeable people on issues related to water, he was
1-18     affectionately known as "Mr. Water"; and
1-19           WHEREAS,  He was instrumental in the creation of underground
1-20     water districts and led the North Plains Water District as
1-21     executive director from 1955 to 1980; this rare gentleman also lent
1-22     his expertise on water issues to the board of the Palo Duro Water
1-23     Authority; and
1-24           WHEREAS, Mr. Buchanan possessed a deep commitment to the
 2-1     people of Moore County and to all the citizens of Texas; those who
 2-2     were privileged to enjoy his friendship will surely miss his
 2-3     presence, and they will certainly treasure memories of his
 2-4     integrity, warmth, and humor for many years to come; now,
 2-5     therefore, be it
 2-6           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
 2-7     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of its former colleague
 2-8     the Honorable J. W.  Buchanan and extend sincere sympathy to his
 2-9     many loved ones; and, be it further
2-10           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-11     prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
2-12     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
2-13     J. W.  Buchanan.