SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 450
	WHEREAS, Fifty years ago, J. R. "Dick" Birdwell and 
Joyce Patranella made a lifelong commitment to each other, and 
their mutual trust has been amply rewarded, for they are now 
celebrating their golden wedding anniversary; and
	WHEREAS, Dick and Joyce were married on April 2, 1953, in 
College Station; and
	WHEREAS, The world has changed considerably during the 
years of their marriage, yet Mr. and Mrs. Birdwell have cherished 
traditional family and moral values; and
	WHEREAS, Over the years, they have grown stronger in their 
love and devotion as together they have experienced the joys and 
sorrows of everyday living; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Birdwell have been blessed with a 
wonderful family; their children, Rick, Robert, Randy, Rusty, 
and Rhonda, and their 12 grandchildren have been a source of 
great pride and joy; and
	WHEREAS, Dick, a 1953 graduate of Texas A&M University, 
was a Dow Chemical executive for 25 years; well regarded in his 
field, he was named Engineer of the Year; he has served his 
community as a member of the College Station City Council for 
several terms and as the mayor of Lake Jackson; and
	WHEREAS, Joyce is a graduate of Texas Woman's University 
and is dedicated to her work as a homemaker; she has served as an 
elementary school teacher, and a Sunday school teacher; and
	WHEREAS, The loving relationship that Dick and Joyce share 
is truly an inspiration to all who know them; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby extend sincere congratulations to 
Mr. and Mrs. Birdwell on their 50th wedding anniversary; and, 
be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared 
for Mr. and Mrs. Birdwell as a memento of this special day.

Williams                                                                      

Ogden                                                                         




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 26, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate