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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 348


In Memory

of

Paul Vernon Calhoun


	WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times, 
loving moments, and meaningful accomplishments comfort the 
family and friends of Paul Vernon Calhoun of Palestine, who died 
on January 9, 2005, at the age of 86; and

	WHEREAS, Born on July 29, 1918, Mr. Calhoun was the 
youngest of nine children; the trials of living through the 
Great Depression, coupled with the death of his father when he 
was 11 years old, instilled in him a strong work ethic, an 
unequaled drive for success, and a sense of conservatism that 
stayed with him his entire life and greatly aided him in becoming 
a preeminent businessman; and

	WHEREAS, Mr. Calhoun's keen business acumen was apparent at 
an early age, when he sold hamburgers that he made from scraps 
from his brother's meat market to passersby; in 1936, he moved to 
Palestine to work in his brother George's market, and soon, with 
only $25 and the encouragement of his beloved wife, the late 
Joan "Sue" Balzar, he opened his own meat market and grocery 
store on the courthouse square in Palestine; and

	WHEREAS, The venture thrived, and by 1942, Mr. Calhoun had 
built his first packing plant; 14 years later, the plant was 
expanded and converted into a highly specialized boneless beef 
operation, The Vernon Calhoun Packing Company, which eventually 
earned the distinction of being one of the largest of its kind in 
the United States, shipping goods the world over and greatly 
benefiting the economy of East Texas; and

	WHEREAS, Mr. Calhoun wielded his success in a benevolent 
manner, generously sharing his money and time; not only did he 
create thousands of jobs for the residents of his area, he made a 
land grant to Henderson County Junior College that brought a 
branch of the school to Anderson County and funded countless 
scholarships for young Texans seeking higher education; 
moreover, he and his wife donated to a host of charities and 
helped finance a new building for the First Presbyterian Church 
of Palestine; and

	WHEREAS, Philanthropist, entrepreneur, outdoors 
enthusiast, and beloved friend, Paul Vernon Calhoun is greatly 
missed, but his memory lives on in the hearts of those whose lives 
he so richly blessed; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
79th Legislature, hereby pay special tribute to the life of 
Paul Vernon Calhoun and extend deepest sympathy to the members
of his family: his son, Mike Calhoun, and his wife, Minna; his 
grandchildren, Paul Calhoun, Lori Rhodes and her husband,


Mike, and Tom Calhoun and his wife, Tracy; his great-grandchildren,
Katelyn Calhoun and Katy, Nick, and Jon Rhodes; and to the other 
relatives and many friends of this distinguished man; and, be it 
further

	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns 
this day, it do so in memory of Paul Vernon Calhoun.
                                                                         Staples




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 9, 2005, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate