R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to 1-2 congratulate Donald E. Thompson of Weslaco on his selection as King 1-3 Citrus LXIV of the Texas Citrus Fiesta; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Crowned at the Royal Coronation held at Mission High 1-5 School, "King" Thompson reigned over all fiesta events accompanied 1-6 by his daughter, Ember, who was chosen Queen Citrianna; and 1-7 WHEREAS, Born into a citrus-growing family, Mr. Thompson 1-8 joined his father in the business in 1959, after attending North 1-9 Texas State University and serving his country as a member of the 1-10 United States Army; and 1-11 WHEREAS, He took over his father's business interest in 1971 1-12 to become the sole owner of Thompson Grove Care; an innovator in 1-13 the citrus industry, he pioneered the planting of both Star Ruby 1-14 and Rio Red grapefruits, marketed the first commercial crops of 1-15 those two varieties in the world, and was among the first to 1-16 incorporate drip and bubble irrigation systems in his orchards; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Mr. Thompson has been recognized for outstanding 1-18 service to the citrus industry with his receipt of the Fort Worth 1-19 Star Telegram's first state citrus award in 1991 and the Texas 1-20 Citrus Mutual special award; and 1-21 WHEREAS, A leader in many professional and civic 1-22 organizations, he currently serves on the citrus advisory board of 1-23 the Texas A&M Citrus Center at Weslaco, is an elder at Calvary 1-24 Chapel, and has participated as a member of the Knapp Methodist 2-1 Hospital board of directors and foundation board; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Donald E. Thompson has 2-3 aspired to the highest standards of professionalism and achievement 2-4 and it is indeed appropriate that he be honored at this time; now, 2-5 therefore, be it 2-6 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-7 Legislature hereby congratulate Donald E. Thompson on being named 2-8 King Citrus LXIV of the Texas Citrus Fiesta and extend to him 2-9 sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it 2-10 further 2-11 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-12 prepared for Mr. Thompson as an expression of high regard by the 2-13 Texas House of Representatives. Wise _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 606 was adopted by the House on March 26, 2001, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House