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79R16463 MDM-D
By: Smith of Tarrant H.R. No. 1615
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, With the passing of Donald R. Tharp of Bedford on
April 2, 2005, at the age of 65, North Texans have lost a valued
friend and decorated veteran whose extensive knowledge of local
history benefited countless people through his membership on the
Euless Historical Preservation Committee and as a docent at
Irving's Heritage Park; and
WHEREAS, The Tyler native was born on January 6, 1940, to Paul
Porter Tharp and Ethel Thompson Tharp, grew up in Fort Worth with a
younger brother, Paul, and graduated from Polytechnic High School,
with advanced standing, at the age of 16; and
WHEREAS, An exemplary scholar, Mr. Tharp earned a bachelor's
degree in physics and a master's degree in accounting from The
University of Texas at Arlington, then pursued graduate studies in
science and math at Southern Methodist University; he was also a
gifted musician and graphic artist who for a time earned his living
as a commercial artist; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Tharp joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1957,
attaining the rank of lieutenant, and went on active duty in 1963
during the Vietnam War; he spent the majority of his tenure with the
Military Air Transport Services, a global military air carrier,
earning medals and commendations for his role as his squadron's
navigator; and
WHEREAS, After leaving the military in 1967, he was employed
as a broker and marketing executive before joining the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development where he was a
community planning developer for 20 years; for the past 11 years, he
worked as an accountant with a national tax service company; and
WHEREAS, This former Naval officer devoted much time to
veterans groups, including the American Legion and the Veterans of
Foreign Wars, and he was past vice commander of the Metroplex
Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars; and
WHEREAS, An individual of deep faith who attended Bible
classes at Bellevue Baptist Church in Hurst, he was a bibliophile
with a thirst for learning; further, he collected firearms, held a
Class III dealer's license, and was regarded as a highly
knowledgeable firearms consultant; and
WHEREAS, Don Tharp gave generously of himself to his fellow
Texans and his countrymen through his military service and his many
hours of volunteer work, and his memory will live on in the hearts
of all who were touched by the warmth of his friendship; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of Donald R.
Tharp and extend sincere sympathy to his brother, Paul Tharp, and to
all who mourn the passing of this remarkable 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 Donald R.
Tharp.