78S20274 MW-D

By:  Chisum                                                       H.R. No. 112



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Honorable Jack Hightower of Austin has reached a 
noteworthy milestone in commemorating his 50th year with the 
Masonic Order and the Grand Lodge of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, A veteran of the United States Navy, this remarkable 
Texan graduated from Baylor University and earned his law degree in 
1951 from the Baylor University School of Law; in 1992, he received 
his LL.M. degree from the University of Virginia; and
	WHEREAS, Justice Hightower has a long and distinguished 
resume of public service; he has ably led his state and country as a 
member of the Texas House of Representatives, as district attorney 
of the 46th Judicial District, and as a member of the Texas Senate; 
he further served his fellow citizens as a five-term member of the 
United States House of Representatives, first assistant attorney 
general of Texas, and from 1988 to 1996 justice of the Supreme Court 
of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Duly recognized over the years for his achievements, 
Justice Hightower has been named distinguished alumnus by Baylor 
University and Baylor Lawyer of the Year by the Baylor Law Alumni 
Association; honored as Outstanding Citizen of Vernon, he has 
received the Price Daniel Distinguished Public Service Award and 
the Knapp-Porter Award; and
	WHEREAS, A Knight of the York Cross of Honor in York Rite and 
a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Justice Hightower is a life 
member of the Lubbock and Austin valleys of the Scottish Rite and of 
the Ben Hur Temple in Austin; he currently serves as a trustee for 
the Scottish Rite Hospital, president of the Scottish Rite 
Dormitory at Austin, vice president of the Texas Scottish Rite 
Foundation, and chairman of the Valley of Austin; and
	WHEREAS, Raised in Vernon Lodge in 1953, this esteemed Mason 
is a member of Vernon Lodge No. 655, University Lodge No. 1190 in 
Austin, and the Texas Lodge of Research, A.F. & A.M.; he has brought 
honor to the positions of district deputy grand master, grand 
orator, member of the Masonic Jurisprudence Committee, and grand 
senior warden; he was elected grand master of the Texas Masons in 
1971 and in 1995 received the Sam Houston Medal from the Masonic 
Lodge of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Justice Hightower represents the highest ideals of 
Masonic service, and through his hard work and commitment he has 
contributed tremendously to improving the lives of his fellow 
Texans; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby recognize the Honorable 
Jack Hightower for his more than 50 years of sterling service with 
the Masonic Order and the Grand Lodge of Texas and extend to him 
best wishes for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Justice Hightower as an expression of high regard by 
the Texas House of Representatives.