1-1                                     1                                  
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 520
 1-3                                  In Memory
 1-4                                     of
 1-5                          The Honorable John Nelson
 1-6           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens
 1-7     of Wichita Falls and the State of Texas in mourning the loss of the
 1-8     Honorable John "Keith" Nelson, who died March 8, 2001, at the age
 1-9     of 69; and
1-10           WHEREAS, A native of Wichita Falls, Judge Nelson was born
1-11     the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Otis Nelson on January 7, 1932;
1-12     he was a 1949 graduate of Wichita Falls High School; and
1-13           WHEREAS, He graduated from Washington and Lee University in
1-14     1953 and from The University of Texas School of Law in 1958; and
1-15           WHEREAS, Judge Nelson proudly served his country in the
1-16     United States Army for two years, and he served the people of
1-17     Wichita Falls for 21 years; and
1-18           WHEREAS, Described by attorneys as a judge with a keen
1-19     legal mind, Judge Nelson gave his rulings with wit, humor,
1-20     and compassion; and
 2-1           WHEREAS, Appointed to the 78th District Court by former
 2-2     Governor Bill Clements in 1979, Judge Nelson was known as a
 2-3     tough but fair judge who treated everyone with respect and
 2-4     dignity; and
 2-5           WHEREAS, Judge Nelson enjoyed bowling, gin rummy, and the
 2-6     stock car races; he attended the Daytona 500 every year; and
 2-7           WHEREAS, A former member of the board of trustees of
 2-8     the First Presbyterian Church, Judge Nelson was a member of
 2-9     the Mavericks and of Elks Lodge 1105; and
2-10           WHEREAS, A man of integrity, strength, and generosity,
2-11     he gave unselfishly of his time to others, and his wisdom and
2-12     warmth will not be forgotten by his loved ones; and
2-13           WHEREAS, A devoted husband, father, stepfather, and
2-14     grandfather, Judge Nelson leaves memories that will remain
2-15     cherished by all who shared his life; he will be greatly missed;
2-16     now, therefore, be it
2-17           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-18     77th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the
2-19     members of his family; and, be it further
2-20           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared
2-21     for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the
2-22     Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it
2-23     do so in memory of the Honorable John "Keith" Nelson.
 3-1                                                                 Haywood
 3-2                                  ______________________________________
 3-3                                         President of the Senate
 3-4                                       I hereby certify that the above
 3-5                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
 3-6                                  on March 21, 2001, by a rising vote.
 3-7                                  ______________________________________
 3-8                                         Secretary of the Senate
 3-9                                  ______________________________________
3-10                                           Member, Texas Senate