78R17319 JH-D

By:  Gallego                                                      H.R. No. 1681



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The passing of Frank Ray McLaughlin of Alpine on May 
30, 2001, has deeply saddened the family and many friends of this 
beloved man; and
	WHEREAS, A native of New York, Mr. McLaughlin was born in 
Binghamton on May 1, 1918; he enlisted in the United States Navy at 
the age of 17 and went on to an impressive military career, 
including a tour in the South Pacific during World War II in which 
he was listed as missing in action for six weeks; after his return, 
he was awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon and the Good 
Conduct Medal and served two years as a member of the Hurricane 
Hunters before concluding his military service in 1957; and
	WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman moved to Alpine, Texas, 
after serving as an air traffic controller in Miami, Florida, for 13 
years, and he quickly demonstrated a strong commitment to serving 
his community as an active member of the Alpine Noon Lions Club; 
over the years, he served as the organization's district governor, 
president of its Crippled Children's Camp, and treasurer and 
district secretary of the Alpine Chapter; named to the Texas Lions 
Hall of Fame in 1991 for his service to the group, he received the 
Melvin Jones Fellows award in 1986 and the Jack Wiech Fellows award 
nine years later; and
	WHEREAS, In addition, Mr. McLaughlin had been a member of the 
Masonic Lodge, the West Texas Chamber of Commerce, and the board of 
directors for the Sunshine House; he was also a Silver-Haired 
Legislator and for many years served as Alpine's Santa Claus; and
	WHEREAS, Selected as Alpine's Citizen of the Year in 1977, 
Frank Ray McLaughlin made lasting contributions to his community, 
and while he is greatly missed, his memory lives on in the hearts 
and minds of the many people whose lives he touched; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Frank Ray 
McLaughlin and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his 
family: to his cherished wife, Edna McLaughlin; to his daughter, 
Gloria McLaughlin; to his son, Doug McLaughlin; to his two 
granddaughters; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, 
be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Frank Ray 
McLaughlin.