79R13865 MW-D

By:  Gonzales                                                     H.R. No. 1403



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Family and friends deeply mourn the passing of 
Jeffry Forrest Fitch, who died on April 16, 2005, at the age of 54, 
and seek to still the pain of loss by remembering his strength, 
courage, and love; and
	WHEREAS, Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Fitch graduated 
from McAllen High School in 1968 before attending Austin College in 
Sherman and then The University of Texas at Austin, where he 
graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in 1972; he also 
earned a degree from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking in 
1979; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Fitch was president and chief executive officer 
of McAllen National Bank, and he made significant contributions to 
his community through an active involvement in the Hidalgo County 
Emergency Services, which he served as chairman of the board of 
commissioners, and the Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen, 
where he was a trustee and past chairman; moreover, he generously 
shared his time, energy, and expertise with the Texas Easter Seal 
Society, Hidalgo Easter Seal Society, Operations Council of the 
Texas Bankers Association, Alamo Chamber of Commerce, University of 
Texas Ex-Students Association of Hidalgo County, Hidalgo County 
United Way Campaign, Alamo Lions Club, and McAllen South Rotary 
Club; this Eagle Scout was also active with the Rio Grande Council 
of the Boy Scouts of America; and
	WHEREAS, A congregant of St. Mark United Methodist Church, 
Mr. Fitch was a valued member of his community who worked tirelessly 
toward the betterment of the lives of his fellow Texans, and  he 
will not soon be forgotten; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Jeffry Forrest Fitch 
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family:  to his 
wife, Debbie Fitch; to his sons, Justin Fitch and Phillip Fitch; to 
his daughters, Heather Smith and her husband, Todd, and Melissa 
Frase; to his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Forrest Fitch; to his 
grandchildren, Madison and Taylor Smith; to his brother, Tim Fitch 
and his wife, Debbie; to his sisters, Katy Marshall and her husband,
Mike, and Cindy Alvarez and her husband, Fred; to his 
parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. George Hinkle; 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 Jeffry 
Forrest Fitch.