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.