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