78S30757 MW-D

By:  Cook of Colorado                                             H.R. No. 260



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The passing of Columbus Police Chief Robert E. 
Connor, Jr., on September 16, 2003, at the age of 50, brought a 
tremendous loss to the family and friends of this distinguished 
gentleman; and
	WHEREAS, Born on July 24, 1953, in Weimar, Chief Connor 
attended public schools in Columbus before attending Prairie View 
A&M University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in sociology 
and business administration; while at college, Chief Connor joined 
Omega Psi Phi and remained an active member throughout his life; and
	WHEREAS, Chief Connor began working in law enforcement as an 
officer while at Prairie View, continued his career at the Harris 
County Sheriff's Department, where he was honored as a founding 
member of the Afro-American Sheriff's Deputy's League in 1991, and 
ended his service as police chief of Columbus, a post he held for 
the past 14 years; and
	WHEREAS, Combining his love for outdoor life and his 
commitment to the community's young people, Chief Connor 
established the Prince Hall Young Boys Camp, which takes 
African-American youths from around the state to the countryside 
for a weekend of fishing and talks on subjects ranging from health 
to interview skills to college preparation; and
	WHEREAS, Chief Connor also was a prominent Prince Hall Master 
Mason who rose through the ranks to become grand master of the Texas 
jurisdiction in June 1991; presiding as Most Worshipful Grand 
Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge at the time of his passing, 
Chief Connor oversaw 10 concordant bodies with a membership of 
approximately 15,000, and his leadership contributions will 
continue to benefit Master Masons across Texas; and
	WHEREAS, An exemplary law enforcement officer, dedicated 
husband and father, and beloved friend to many, Chief Connor 
positively influenced the lives of countless individuals, and he 
will not soon be forgotten; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 
Chief Robert E. Connor, Jr., and extend deepest sympathies to the 
members of his family: to his wife, Deanna; to his daughter, Stacie 
Arnaye Wallace; to his godson, Edward Trey Brown III; to his 
sisters, Gwendolyn Manley, Vera Mae Johnson, and Shayl Denise 
Connor; to his brothers, John Michael Connor, Stanley Connor, and 
Ar Raheem Ali A-Shad Connor; to his sisters-in-law, Linda Marie 
Connor, Sylvia Wilson-Connor, Shirley Eaton, and Veda Eaton; to his 
brothers-in-law, Harold Eaton, Jr., and Larry Eaton; to his 
mother-in-law, Marie Eaton; 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 Chief 
Robert E. Connor, Jr.