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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 57


In Memory

of

Walter Hoppe Richter


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the 
citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Walter Hoppe Richter, 
who died September 8, 2003, at the age of 86; and

	WHEREAS, Walter Richter was born in the Double Horn 
community, southeast of Marble Falls, on September 17, 1916; he was 
the son of Walter Herman Richter and Bertha Lenore Hoppe Richter; and

	WHEREAS, While a student at Southwest Texas State 
University, Walter served as editor of the school newspaper and 
as president of the student body; he earned a bachelor's degree 
in 1938 and a master's degree in 1939; he received a bachelor's 
degree in journalism from The University of Texas at Austin in 
1942; and

	WHEREAS, After serving in the Navy during World War II, 
Walter served as publisher and editor of The Stockdale Star from 
1948 to 1951; from 1950 to 1954, he worked as a yearbook developer 
for the Steck Publishing Company of Austin; and from 1954 to 
1962, he was executive director of the Gonzales Warm Springs 
Foundation, a physical rehabilitation center; and

	WHEREAS, Walter Richter represented District 19 in the 
Texas State Senate during the 58th Legislature and the 59th 
Legislature; as a senator, he sponsored legislation that led
to the creation of the Texas Department of Aging; and

	WHEREAS, After leaving the Senate, Walter served in 
appointed positions at both the state and federal levels;
he was appointed by Governor John Connally to serve as director 
of the Texas Office of Economic Opportunity; a year later, 
President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him to head the five-state 
Southwest region of the Office of Economic Opportunity; and 
President Jimmy Carter appointed him to the United States 
Architectural and Transportation Compliance Board; and

	WHEREAS, A highly respected community leader, Mr. Richter 
served as statewide president of United Cerebral Palsy of Texas, 
and for a decade, he served as chairman of the Government 
Relations Committee of what is now United Way of Texas; and

	WHEREAS, A tireless public servant, Walter was recognized 
on numerous occasions for his many contributions to the 
community; he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Southwest 
Texas State University and Public Citizen of the Year by the 
Austin unit of the National Association of Social Workers; and

	WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Walter had a great love of 
people and journalism; he was an old-fashioned and forthright 
Democrat and was a man of integrity, strength, and compassion who 
was beloved for his humor and intelligence; and

	WHEREAS, Walter Richter lived his life to the fullest and 
was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves 
behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and 
many friends; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby extend sincere 
condolences to the bereaved family of Walter Hoppe Richter:  his 
wife, Dorothy Jean Richter; his daughter, Robyn Richter; his
son and daughter-in-law, Gary Richter and Susan Wukasch; his 
granddaughter, Molly Richter; and his nephew, Carl Weaver; and, 
be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy 
from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this 
day, it do so in memory of Walter Richter.
                                                                      Barrientos




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on September 24, 2003, 
by a rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate