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