79R10383 KO-D

By:  Seaman                                                       H.R. No. 1749



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The death of the Honorable Leroy J. Wieting, Sr., on 
March 14, 2005, at the age of 78, has brought a great loss to the 
communities of Portland and Austin, as well as to citizens 
throughout Texas, whom he faithfully served for 22 years in the 
Texas House of Representatives; and
	WHEREAS, Born on February 28, 1927, in Runge in Karnes 
County, Mr. Wieting graduated from Runge High School in 1943, a year 
ahead of his class, and studied political science at Texas A&I 
University--Kingsville; he and his high school sweetheart, Dorris, 
were married in Kenedy on September 9, 1945, and they eventually 
moved to the coastal town of Portland, which he served as the first 
city manager until his election to the house of representatives in 
November 1962; and
	WHEREAS, During his exemplary tenure, he served on a number 
of important committees, including the Appropriations Committee, 
Ways and Means Committee, and Education Committee, and chaired the 
Agriculture and Livestock Committee and the School District 
Committee; he was instrumental in implementing the State Capitol 
prayer meetings, a tradition that continues today, and he served as 
the assistant chaplain for the house; Representative Wieting was 
Dean of the House when he retired in 1984; and
	WHEREAS, He also served as chair of the Texas Coastal and 
Marine Council and traveled extensively on behalf of the state, 
researching water systems and working diligently to procure 
drinking water sources and reservoirs for the Coastal Bend area, 
and played a key role in helping to establish both the Coastal Bend 
Bays Foundation and the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program; 
and
	WHEREAS, He served as a commissioner to the Gulf States 
Marine Fisheries Commission during the majority of his time in 
office and was a constant steward and advocate for healthy coastal 
and marine resources for Texas and the Gulf of Mexico; and
	WHEREAS, After completing his tenure in the house, he acted 
as a consultant for a number of clients in the Coastal Bend, such as 
Citgo Petroleum Corporation and the Sherwin Alumina Company, and 
continued to play an active role in governmental affairs as a 
lobbyist; he was a member of the Texas Oil and Gas Association, the 
Texas Association of Business, and the Advocacy Committee of the 
Texas Chemical Council and never missed participating in a session 
of the legislature from the day of his retirement until his death; 
and
	WHEREAS, In addition to his many professional achievements, 
awards, and tributes, this esteemed Texan contributed time and 
financial support to a number of worthy organizations in his 
community; an honorary member of the Portland Chamber of Commerce 
and a longtime executive fund-raiser for the Coastal Bend United 
Way, he also actively supported the South Texas Children's Home, 
the Boy Scouts of America, and 4-H clubs in his area, to name but a 
few; and
	WHEREAS, A man of deep faith and conviction, he served on the 
State Board of the Gideons and as chair of the Christian Life 
Committee of the Corpus Christi Baptist Association; this kind and 
caring man who was ordained as a deacon remained a faithful 
congregant of First Baptist Church of Portland for nearly 50 years 
and was highly instrumental in establishing the church at its 
present location; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Leroy Wieting gave freely of 
his time and devoted his efforts to serving the citizens of South 
Texas and his beloved home state; he was a trusted friend, counsel, 
and confidant to many who currently serve the State of Texas, and he 
leaves a legacy of achievement that will continue to benefit the 
Lone Star State for years to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Leroy J. Wieting, Sr., 
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his 
wife of nearly 60 years, Dorris Atkins Wieting; to his children, 
Leroy James "L. J." Wieting, Jr., and Beckie Wieting Bright; to his 
grandchildren, Jamison Franklin and Anagail Lynette Wieting; and to 
his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House 
of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of the 
Honorable Leroy J. Wieting, Sr.