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