H.R. No. 521



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, A full and generous life of service to others drew to 
a close with the passing of Richard Henri Punch, Jr., of Houston on 
April 13, 2006, at the age of 87; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Punch was born on September 23, 1918, into a 
family of 15 children; he graduated with the Phillis Wheatley High 
School Class of 1936 and enrolled in the Landig College of Mortuary 
Science; he worked with the United States Postal Service as a mail 
carrier for nearly 35 years, and also had been employed on the staff 
of Ross Mortuary, Inc.; and
	WHEREAS, He was a veteran of the United States armed forces 
who served his country with distinction during World War II and was 
honorably discharged with the rank of staff sergeant; and
	WHEREAS, On February 2, 1947, Mr. Punch and the former Nellye 
Joyce Lewis were united in matrimony, and for nearly six decades the 
couple nurtured an enduring marriage that was blessed with two 
children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; and
	WHEREAS, This devoted husband, loving father, and doting 
grandfather shared his time and resources with the deacon board and 
music ministry at Zion Hill Baptist Church, where his late brother, 
the Reverend C. L. Punch, had been pastor; and
	WHEREAS, Richard Punch exemplified the highest ideals of 
compassion, commitment to his fellow Texans, and faith in God, and 
the memory of this beloved gentleman will long remain in the hearts 
of those fortunate enough to have known 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 
Richard Henri Punch, Jr., and extend deepest sympathy to the 
members of his family: to his wife, Nellye Joyce Punch; to his 
children, Sheila Lockhart and D. Christine Browne; to his 
grandchildren, Sean C. Lockhart, Erran I. Booker, Kelly A. Boyd, 
and Felicia Hill; to his great-grandson, Kailan E. Boyd; and to his 
many other relatives and 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 Richard 
Henri Punch, Jr.

                                                                          Dutton


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 521 was unanimously adopted by a 
rising vote of the House on May 9, 2006.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House