H.R. No. 1359



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Memories of many joyful moments and meaningful 
accomplishments may help to comfort the family and friends of 
Virgil Dugan of Tomball, who passed away on March 17, 2005, at the 
age of 85; and
	WHEREAS, Born on April 25, 1919, Mr. Dugan was a decorated war 
hero who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and worked on 
several destroyers and aircraft carriers, including the U.S.S. 
Hornet as a member of Task Force 16 during the Doolittle Raid on 
Tokyo; with more than seven years of service, he achieved the rank 
of chief petty officer and earned numerous honors, including the 
World War II combat medal, the American Campaign Medal, the U.S. 
Commendation Award, the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with Star, the 
American Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and a special Navy 
citation; this esteemed patriot was honorably discharged in 1945 
and returned to Tomball to marry his love, Erma Walker, and raise a 
family; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Dugan began his career working for Humble Oil 
and Refining Company for several years before starting a business 
with Erma's father and brother; eventually he decided to open his 
own establishment, Dugan's Appliances, and he managed the shop 
until his retirement in 1980; and
	WHEREAS, An active member of his community, Mr. Dugan was a 
longtime member of the Rotary Club, VFW Post No. 2427, the chamber 
of commerce, and the Church of Christ; a voracious reader, he was a 
loyal member of the Friends of the Library Club and attended night 
classes at the University of Houston to further his education; and
	WHEREAS, A true hero who placed himself in harm's way in 
defense of this nation, Virgil Dugan deserved and received the 
admiration and respect of his fellow Texans; at home, he worked 
tirelessly in behalf of his community and will be dearly missed by 
all those who knew and loved him; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Virgil Dugan and 
extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife of 
56 years, Erma Dugan; to his daughters, Shannon Stephens and Julie 
Hicks; to his stepson, Gary Clark; to his granddaughters, Melissa 
McKever, Natalie Stephens, and Caitlin Hicks; to his grandsons, 
Michael Clark and Jason Hicks; to his great-grandchildren, Nick and 
Bethany Clark; and to his other relatives and many 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 Virgil 
Dugan.

                                                                         Eissler


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1359 was unanimously adopted by a 
rising vote of the House on May 13, 2005.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House