SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 160


In Memory

of

John Cooper


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and 
commemorates the life of John Cooper of Memphis, Tennessee, who 
recently died at the age of 76; and
	WHEREAS, The husband of Tennessee State Representative 
Barbara Cooper, John Cooper was born in Mason, Tennessee, and was 
raised in North Memphis; he played football for LeMoyne-Owen 
College, and he served in the United States Army; and
	WHEREAS, He was one of 12 African American firefighters who 
joined the Memphis Fire Department in 1955, and he helped 
organize the Pioneer Black Fire Fighters Association; and
	WHEREAS, Captain Cooper took part in a lawsuit in the 1970s 
that enabled African American firefighters to be promoted; his 
experiences were an inspiration to young African American 
firefighters; and
	WHEREAS, He retired as a captain after 32 years with the 
Memphis Fire Department; he supported his wife in her career, and 
after she was elected to the Tennessee legislature in 1996, he 
traveled to the capitol with her every week; and
	WHEREAS, A man of integrity, strength, and generosity, 
John Cooper gave unselfishly of his time to others, and he leaves 
behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and 
many friends; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby extend sincere 
condolences to the bereaved family of John Cooper:  his wife, 
Representative Barbara Cooper; his daughters, Joan Cooper Burnett
and Tanya Cooper; his son, Carl Cooper; and his three 
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the 
Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do 
so in memory of John Cooper.
                                                                           Ellis




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 8, 2006, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate