R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The recent passing of Bay City's Frank Sinclair
 1-2     Craft, Sr., on March 30, 1999, at the age of 74, has brought a
 1-3     great loss to the family and many friends of this esteemed
 1-4     gentleman; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Mr. Craft was born September 28, 1924, and was a
 1-6     graduate of Bay City High School; a committed patriot, Mr. Craft
 1-7     entered the U.S. Armed Forces at a time when our nation needed them
 1-8     most, serving with the Army Air Corps during World War II; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, He saw extensive action in the South Pacific with
1-10     the 5th Bombardment Group of the 13th Air Force and attained the
1-11     rank of 1st lieutenant before the Allied forces' victory allowed
1-12     him to return home to Texas; and
1-13           WHEREAS, In the years following the war, Mr. Craft began a
1-14     respected career with Phillips Petroleum and also initiated a
1-15     tradition of civic involvement and concern that would define the
1-16     rest of his life; and
1-17           WHEREAS, He was an active member of both the American Legion,
1-18     Post 11, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2438; in addition,
1-19     he served as president and was a life member of the Bay City Lions
1-20     Club, coordinating and completing much good work through his many
1-21     years with this noted group; and
1-22           WHEREAS, Deeply committed to bettering his hometown,
1-23     Mr. Craft also served in a variety of city offices; he was director
1-24     of the chamber of commerce, a member of the appraisal board for
 2-1     five years, and a member of the city council for six years, and he
 2-2     served two terms with the Bay City I.S.D. board as well; and
 2-3           WHEREAS, This dedicated and enterprising citizen was also the
 2-4     successful owner of Craft Furniture Store, and he held positions as
 2-5     president of the Texas Marketing Guild and director of the Home
 2-6     Furnishings International Association and was named Retailer of the
 2-7     Year in 1983; and
 2-8           WHEREAS, Mr. Craft was a powerful and effective force on many
 2-9     fronts, from patriot and public-spirited businessman to his roles
2-10     as beloved husband, father, and grandfather; though his presence
2-11     will be deeply missed, his spirit surely lives on in the hearts and
2-12     memories of the many people whose lives he touched; now, therefore,
2-13     be it
2-14           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-15     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Frank Sinclair Craft,
2-16     Sr., and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to
2-17     his wife, Eileen; to his son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Marcy
2-18     Craft; to his daughter and son-in-law, Jeannie and Mark Finlay; to
2-19     his grandchildren, Cody and Blayne Finlay, and Chad and Courtney
2-20     Craft; and to all the relatives and friends of this remarkable
2-21     Texan; and, be it further
2-22           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-23     prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
2-24     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
2-25     Frank Sinclair Craft, Sr.
                                                                        Uher
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 824 was unanimously adopted by a
         rising vote of the House on May 14, 1999.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House