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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 609
	WHEREAS, The loss of the space shuttle Columbia was a 
calamity that touched the lives of many Texans, saddening those 
who lost beloved family members and friends, those who have 
devoted their careers to the field of space exploration, and all 
who were inspired by the courage and dedication of these fallen 
heroes; and
	WHEREAS, Across the Lone Star State, Texans gathered to pay 
their respects to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in 
their pioneering attempts to expand the frontiers of space, and 
some of our state's residents went even further, personally 
offering their assistance by donating goods and services to the 
astronauts' families and to the various recovery teams in the 
aftermath of the tragic accident; included among them were three 
East Texas businesses that displayed exceptional professionalism 
in our state's time of need:  the Hemphill Funeral Home in 
Hemphill, the Laird McGill Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, and the 
Carroway-Claybar Funeral Home in Lufkin; and
	WHEREAS, The staff at each of these facilities volunteered 
their services to ensure that the remains of the deceased 
astronauts were cared for and transported with profound dignity, 
and the compassion and professionalism they showed at this 
difficult time earned them the lasting respect and admiration of 
a great many people; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby commend the funeral home professionals 
who gave generously of their time and expertise to care for 
the remains of those killed in the Columbia accident:  to 
John Everitt and director Roy Carroway of the Carroway-Claybar 
Funeral Home; to Debbie Green, John Byron Starr, and director 
John Starr of the Hemphill Funeral Home; and to Joe Osterhage, 
Ron Young, and director Lynn Laird of the Laird McGill Funeral 
Home; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That official copies of this Resolution be 
prepared for these individuals as an expression of high regard 
by the Texas Senate.
                                                                         Staples




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 14, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate