R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The passing of Merle LaRue Olson on June 3, 1998, at
 1-2     the age of 68, brought a great loss to the family and friends of
 1-3     this respected Austin resident; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Born in Austin on December 18, 1929, Mr. Olson
 1-5     attended The University of Texas at Austin after graduating from
 1-6     Austin High School in 1948; on March 14, 1952, he married the
 1-7     former Donna Mae Lindgren and together they enjoyed a loving
 1-8     relationship that spanned more than 46 years and was blessed with
 1-9     three children; and
1-10           WHEREAS, Mr. Olson worked for his father at Southern
1-11     Investment Company and Olson Motors and Appliances and eventually
1-12     became the owner of those family businesses; during their 62 years
1-13     of operation on East Sixth Street, the establishments served some
1-14     33,000 customers, and their closing in March 1998 marked the end of
1-15     an era for Mr. Olson and his family; and
1-16           WHEREAS, An active member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, this
1-17     dedicated gentleman served as an usher, as a committee member, and
1-18     as treasurer and president of the endowment fund; in addition, he
1-19     was involved in the VASA Club and the Texas Swedish Chamber of
1-20     Commerce, and through these esteemed organizations his pride in his
1-21     Swedish heritage was most visible; and
1-22           WHEREAS, Although Mr. Olson will long be missed, his memory
1-23     will endure in the hearts and minds of all who were privileged to
1-24     know him for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
 2-1           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
 2-2     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Merle LaRue Olson and
 2-3     extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family:  to his wife,
 2-4     Donna; to his daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy Olson Ridge and
 2-5     Rance Ridge, Rue Olson Dwyer and Peter A. Dwyer, and Kristy Olson
 2-6     Compton and John Compton; to his grandchildren, Logan Russell
 2-7     Ridge, Jordan Avery Dwyer, Johannah Ansley Dwyer, and McKenna Kasey
 2-8     Compton; and to the many other relatives and friends of this
 2-9     beloved gentleman; 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     Merle LaRue Olson.
                                                                       Janek
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 779 was unanimously adopted by a
         rising vote of the House on May 8, 1999.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House