78R2986 MW-D

By:  Davis of Dallas                                              H.R. No. 277



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Joe Don Denton of Dallas is most deserving of 
special recognition for his myriad contributions to the community 
as a banker, lawyer, and civic-minded citizen; and
	WHEREAS, Answering his country's call to arms during World 
War II, Mr. Denton joined the United States Air Force and served 
this nation with utmost valor as a crewman, flight engineer, and 
pilot; a veteran of the European and Caribbean theaters of 
operation, he was chosen in 1944 to become a member of the first jet 
propelled fighter group and test flew the first Air Force jet 
aircraft at Muroc Flight Test Base; and
	WHEREAS, In pursuit of his higher education, Mr. Denton 
attended Hillsboro College and Oklahoma State University before 
graduating from Baylor University School of Law with a bachelor of 
laws degree in 1953, and he later attained his juris doctorate from 
that institution in 1969; and
	WHEREAS, In March 1961, Mr. Denton launched a noteworthy 
career with Oak Cliff Bank & Trust Company, one in which he advanced 
from the post of trust officer to that of president and chief 
executive officer in just 15 years; elected chairman of the board 
and chief executive officer of RepublicBank Oak Cliff in 1979, he 
was named regional chairman of the corporation in 1986 and district 
director the following year, in which capacity he distinguished 
himself until his retirement in December 1989; and
	WHEREAS, Currently practicing law in Dallas, Mr. Denton is an 
esteemed member of numerous professional organizations, including 
the Texas Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Dallas 
Estate Council, the Texas Bankers Association, and the American 
Bankers Association; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Joe Don Denton has enriched 
the lives of many Dallas-area citizens through his extensive 
community involvement; a former director and president of the Oak 
Cliff Chamber of Commerce, he has generously shared his dedication 
and expertise on the board of trustees for Communities Foundation 
of Texas, Inc., the Salvation Army, the Southwestern Medical 
Foundation, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Dallas Zoological 
Society; Mr. Denton has also worked for the betterment of his 
community on the boards of Methodist Hospitals of Dallas, Dental 
Health Programs, Inc., and the Dallas/Ft. Worth Regional Airport; 
and
	WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman has even benefited others 
through his passion for golf; a former director of the Texas Golf 
Association, he has contributed his time and talents to the North 
Texas Professional Golfers Association and the Tournament Players 
Division of the Professional Golfers Association; moreover, he has 
served as director of the World Golf Hall of Fame, founding chairman 
of the Murata Seniors Reunion Golf Tournament, treasurer of the 
Senior PGA Tour Sponsors Association, and member of the Senior PGA 
Tour Advisory Board; and
	WHEREAS, Joe Don Denton has made a significant difference in 
the lives of his fellow citizens through his professional 
contributions and tireless volunteerism, and it is indeed a 
pleasure to commend this respected Texan for his longstanding 
efforts in behalf of others; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor Joe Don Denton for his admirable record of 
service to the Dallas community and extend to him sincere best 
wishes for happiness and success in all his future endeavors; and, 
be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Denton as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.