1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 301 1-3 In Memory 1-4 of 1-5 Father Don Shepanski 1-6 WHEREAS, The Texas Senate joins the citizens of 1-7 San Antonio in mourning the death of beloved religious leader 1-8 Father Don Shepanski; and 1-9 WHEREAS, A native of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, 1-10 Don Shepanski was ordained as a priest in Saint Raymond's 1-11 Cathedral in Joliet, Illinois, in 1962; and 1-12 WHEREAS, He joined the United States Air Force in 1969 1-13 and served as a military chaplain all around the world; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Father Shepanski had assignments at the Korat Royal 1-15 Thai Air Base, and he was assigned temporary duties in Vietnam; and 1-16 WHEREAS, A brave man, Father Shepanski earned a Bronze Star 1-17 and six Meritorious Service Medals during his military service; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Father Don Shepanski retired in 1990 with the rank 1-19 of lieutenant colonel, while he was on active duty at Lackland 1-20 Air Force Base; that same year he began his duties at Saint Matthew 2-1 Catholic Church; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Although his health was poor, Father Shepanski 2-3 offered Mass every day of the week at Saint Matthew; he was an 2-4 excellent example for parishioners who were also sick; and 2-5 WHEREAS, Possessed of a fine Christian character, 2-6 Father Don Shepanski was modest and consistent in his daily 2-7 life; he showed a wonderful and helpful talent in his dealings 2-8 with people who were troubled or in need; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Noted for his ability to inspire others to 2-10 acknowledge their responsibility toward those in need, 2-11 Father Shepanski asked each parishioner to contribute a quarter 2-12 to the San Antonio Police Department's 1997 Blue Santa program; 2-13 the experience was so successful that he repeated his request 2-14 each succeeding year, resulting in significant assistance to 2-15 the program; and 2-16 WHEREAS, Father Shepanski will be remembered as a man of 2-17 great strength and sharp wit, and his love for his fellowman 2-18 expressed itself in all his actions; his commitment to God 2-19 remained unwavering; and 2-20 WHEREAS, Father Don Shepanski was a spiritual teacher 2-21 and a friend; his wise counsel and sound judgment will be keenly 2-22 missed by all whose lives he touched; now, therefore, be it 2-23 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 3-1 77th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to his 3-2 family and his parishioners; and, be it further 3-3 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 3-4 the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy 3-5 from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this 3-6 day it do so in memory of Father Don Shepanski. 3-7 Van de Putte 3-8 ______________________________________ 3-9 President of the Senate 3-10 I hereby certify that the above 3-11 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-12 on February 20, 2001, by a rising vote. 3-13 ______________________________________ 3-14 Secretary of the Senate 3-15 ______________________________________ 3-16 Member, Texas Senate