79S30300 JHS-D

By:  Hilderbran                                                   H.R. No. 41 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Family and friends mourn the death of James Layton 
Snyder of Kerrville, yet his passing on November 19, 2005, at the 
age of 86, offers an opportunity to honor the legacy of this 
remarkable man; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Callahan County to Lula Driskill Snyder and 
Cyrus Byron Snyder on June 28, 1919, Mr. Snyder earned his 
bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University in 1941; his tenure at 
Texas Tech was highlighted by his election as class president 
during his freshman and senior years, and also by his service as 
student body president; in 1989, he was named a Distinguished 
Alumnus of the University in tribute to his achievements as a 
college student and his equally impressive success as a 
businessman; and
	WHEREAS, It was during his years at Texas Tech that Mr. Snyder 
met his future wife, the former Marguerite Brannen; following his 
graduation, he served for four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS 
Lejeune, a troop transport ship, before being honorably discharged 
from the service with the rank of lieutenant commander and 
returning to his native Texas; and
	WHEREAS, After working briefly for IBM in Dallas and Fort 
Worth, Mr. Snyder moved to Baird to start a ranching business with 
his wife; later business interests included Alderman-Cave Milling 
and Grain Company and Win-Tex Cattle Feeders, Inc.; and
	WHEREAS, An active member of his community and a leader in the 
ranching industry, Mr. Snyder served as president of the Baird 
Chamber of Commerce, the Baird ISD School Board, and the National 
Ranching Heritage Association; in 1977, he was appointed to the 
Texas Tech University Board of Regents by Governor Dolph Briscoe, 
and in 1983 he was named to the Texas Animal Health Commission by 
Governor Mark White; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Snyder practiced his faith as a member of the 
First United Methodist Church of Baird, where he served his fellow 
congregants as a member of the board of stewards and as chair of the 
17th Congressional District; he was also an active member of Baird 
Masonic Lodge No. 522, the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, the 
West Texas Fair Association, and the Texas Law Enforcement and 
Youth Development Foundation; and
	WHEREAS, James Snyder led a rewarding life filled with 
purposeful endeavor, and his spirit lives on in the hearts of his 
family and friends and all those who were privileged to know him; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 
James Layton Snyder and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of 
his family: to his sons, Byron Snyder and his wife, Martha Ann, and 
Jim Snyder and his wife, Kim; to his grandchildren, Gregg Snyder and 
his wife, Sarah, and Natialie and Meredith Snyder; to his brother, 
Ralph Snyder; and to the other relatives and friends of this 
esteemed gentleman; 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 James 
Layton Snyder.