SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 731


In Memory

of

Harold Frederick Olmstead

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens
of San Antonio in mourning the loss of Harold Frederick Olmstead, 
who died March 13, 2005, at the age of 84; and
	WHEREAS, Born May 30, 1920, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 
Harold joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1942 to fight 
for his country during World War II; he piloted numerous missions 
over Germany in his B-17 bomber until he was shot down and became 
a prisoner of war; and
	WHEREAS, Before he was captured, Harold had been eligible 
to go home, but elected to stay with his comrades on flight duty; 
he was a prisoner of war for 13 months in Stalag Luft III, the 
camp made famous by the film The Great Escape, and he earned a 
Purple Heart; and
	WHEREAS, After World War II, Harold had several automotive 
parts businesses, including West Avenue Auto Parts in San Antonio;
a master craftsman, he often made clocks and pieces of furniture 
for his friends and family; and
	WHEREAS, He was an active member of Saint Luke's Catholic Church
and was a volunteer for many years with the Villa Rosa Hospital;
he worked with several prisoner of war organizations and was a 
Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus; he was preceded 
in death by his first wife, Elaine, and his daughter Christine; and
	WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and generosity, Harold
gave unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued 
counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and
	WHEREAS, Harold Olmstead was a devoted husband and father, 
and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by 
his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Harold Frederick Olmstead:  his wife, Virginia Olmstead;
his daughters, Vicky Dean, Cindy Collins, Debbie McGinnis, and 
Melissa Hild; his stepdaughters, Marsha Mudd, Sharon Guise, 
Patty Daigle, and Becky Bonugli; and his 26 grandchildren and
16 great-grandchildren; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy 
from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this 
day, it do so in memory of Harold Olmstead.
                                                                       Wentworth




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 2, 2005, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate