R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The passing of the Honorable R. L. Templeton on July
 1-2     19, 2000, at the age of 80, has brought a great loss to the family
 1-3     and friends of this esteemed gentleman; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, A native of Wellington in Collingsworth County,
 1-5     Mr. Templeton was born on May 1, 1920, to a prominent pioneer
 1-6     family; he graduated from Wellington High School and, in 1946,
 1-7     completed his higher education at The University of Texas School of
 1-8     Law; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, From 1940 to 1942, Mr. Templeton served as a pilot
1-10     in the Royal Canadian Air Force, in which he held the rank of
1-11     sergeant; his actions during the war exemplified the traits of
1-12     honor and self-sacrifice, and he later received the prestigious
1-13     Prop Blast Award for having parachuted over enemy territory in
1-14     1940; and
1-15           WHEREAS, Applying his knowledge and experience to the
1-16     betterment of his community and state, this remarkable Texan
1-17     maintained the highest standards of public office as a state
1-18     representative in the 50th Texas Legislature; from 1948 to 1958, he
1-19     continued to serve area citizens as county judge for Collingsworth
1-20     County, and for 22 years he distinguished himself as county
1-21     attorney; and
1-22           WHEREAS, In addition to his impressive career as a public
1-23     servant, Mr. Templeton practiced law for 50 years and authored a
1-24     series of children's books under the name Lee Templeton; he was
 2-1     also a conservationist, inventor, and horticulturist who was known
 2-2     for his ability to graft fruit trees and for his special drying
 2-3     techniques for preserving apples and peaches; and
 2-4           WHEREAS, This multitalented individual shared his knowledge
 2-5     with others and mentored many young men, teaching them skills in
 2-6     hunting, fishing, and wildlife and plant identification on camp
 2-7     outs, as well as baseball and tennis; and
 2-8           WHEREAS, Mr. Templeton led a life emblematic of the ideals of
 2-9     integrity, intelligence, and fortitude; he will long be remembered
2-10     for his extraordinary gifts and many contributions to his community
2-11     and the State of Texas, and his spirit will live on in the hearts
2-12     of the many people whose lives he so deeply touched; now,
2-13     therefore, be it
2-14           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
2-15     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of former State
2-16     Representative R. L. Templeton and extend sincere sympathy to the
2-17     members of his family: to his loving wife of 57 years, Travis
2-18     Templeton; to his son, Lee Templeton; to his sister, Lois Scott; to
2-19     his two grandsons, Jared Lee and Dillon Lee Templeton; and to his
2-20     other relatives and friends; and, be it further
2-21           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-22     prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
2-23     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
2-24     the Honorable R. L. Templeton.
                                                                      Chisum
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 45 was unanimously adopted by a
         rising vote of the House on March 29, 2001.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House