SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 124
WHEREAS, Many years ago, Gracie May Mahlke and James Paul Hatton made a lifetime commitment to each other, and their mutual trust has been amply rewarded, for they are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary; and WHEREAS, In November, 1943, James accompanied a friend to help him select an engagement ring for his fiancee at Adams and Ortmann jewelry store; it was James, however, who found the jewel, for there he met Gracie, who would soon become his wife; and WHEREAS, They were married on June 4, 1944, at Citadel Square Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and have spent 60 years together in loyalty and devotion; and WHEREAS, The world has changed considerably during the years of their marriage, yet Mr. and Mrs. Hatton have cherished traditional family and moral values; their travels have taken them from coast to coast, but they chose the great State of Texas to live in following James's retirement from the space program almost 25 years ago; and WHEREAS, Over the years, their love has grown stronger as together they have experienced the joys and sorrows of everyday living; the happy couple has been blessed with a wonderful family; their children, Jim, Bill, Barbara, Richard, Susan, Lynda, George, and Ken, and their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren are a source of much pride and joy; and WHEREAS, The long and happy union of James and Gracie is truly an inspiration to all who know them; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 78th Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby join the family and friends of Mr. and Mrs. James Paul Hatton in extending to them best wishes and congratulations on their 60th wedding anniversary; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for this distinguished couple as a memento of this special day in their lives. Jackson ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 10, 2004. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate