78S20255 MW-D

By:  Eiland                                                       H.R. No. 106



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The family and friends of John Mark Belton of 
Galveston were deeply saddened by the passing of this exceptional  
educator on August 3, 2003, at the age of 59; and
	WHEREAS, Born on January 13, 1944, in Houston, Mr. Belton 
graduated from Rice University in 1966 and went on to earn his 
master's degree from Emory University in 1977; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Belton taught for the Galveston Independent 
School District for 33 years, starting with algebra but primarily 
teaching history; the majority of this distinguished tenure was 
spent at Ball High School, where he earned the respect and 
admiration of faculty and students alike; and
	WHEREAS, The influence Mr. Belton had on his students 
continued long after they graduated; he helped many with their 
college work and offered advice and support throughout life's 
challenges, forging an enduring bond with his pupils; moreover, 
each summer, Mr. Belton held a book club in which former students 
from across the United States would read a chosen book and, using 
e-mail, engage in lengthy discussions about it; and
	WHEREAS, Through his commitment to teaching, Mr. Belton left 
an indelible impression on the lives of countless young people, and 
his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who were 
fortunate enough to have known him; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 
John Mark Belton and extend deep sympathy to the members of his 
family:  to his beloved wife and best friend of 38 years, M'Lou 
Belton; to his sons, Mark Alexander Belton and John Michael Belton; 
to his daughter-in-law, Moni Devora; to his sister, Helen Orman; to 
his aunt, Elizabeth Belton; to his sisters-in-law, Patricia Grimm 
and Betsy Dunn, and her husband, David; and to his other relatives 
and many friends; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of John Mark 
Belton.