H.R. No. 901



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, May 16, 2003, marks the golden wedding anniversary 
of Don and Rosie Benton of West Tawakoni, and this milestone 
provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on their enduring 
relationship; and
	WHEREAS, A graduate of Austin Presbyterian Theological 
Seminary, Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist 
University (SMU), and Texas Wesleyan University (TWU), Dr. Benton 
has served as a Methodist minister for nearly five decades, and over 
the course of his career he has twice been called on to deliver the 
daily invocation for legislative bodies, speaking before the United 
States Senate in 1983 and the Texas House of Representatives on 
February 18, 2003; the author of four books and an organizer of the 
Kindness Foundation, he now is interim pastor at Lone Star United 
Methodist Church in Clarksville and is active in the Hella Black 
Horse Drill Team; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout the couple's marriage, Mrs. Benton has 
given generously of her time and talents in support of countless 
worthwhile endeavors of her husband and his congregants; in 1983, 
this talented woman produced the play, Papa was a Preacher, based on 
an Aylene Porter novel by the same name; the book was later adapted 
into a motion picture, for which Mrs. Benton and her husband served 
as executive producers; and
	WHEREAS, Avid travelers, the Bentons have visited all 50 
states as well as 38 countries, including mission trips to the 
Philippines, South America, Haiti, and Africa; in addition, they 
will be going to Sweden, Norway, and Denmark this year in 
celebration of their 50th anniversary; and
	WHEREAS, This loving couple are the proud parents of five 
children, Dink, Donna, David, Dallas, and Deborah Faye, and over 
the years, their family has grown to include Deborah's husband, 
Steve, and Dallas's wife, Stacy, and eight beloved grandchildren, 
Bonnie, Michael, Trey, Alec, Collin, Cody, Stephanie, and Paige; 
and
	WHEREAS, Blessed with five decades of wonderful memories 
together, a large and loving family, and an enduring commitment to 
one another and to the institution of marriage, Dr. and Mrs. Benton 
truly have reason to celebrate, and it is a pleasure to join in 
honoring them at this time; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Don and Rosie Benton on the joyous 
occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary and extend to them 
sincere best wishes for much happiness as they continue their 
journey together; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Dr. and Mrs. Benton as an expression of high regard by 
the Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                         Goolsby

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 901 was adopted by the House on April 
24, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House