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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 872


In Memory

of

Phillip William Ellis

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens
of Grand Prairie in mourning the loss of Phillip William Ellis, 
who died March 19, 2005, at the age of 24; and
	WHEREAS, Phillip Ellis was born on March 28, 1980, with 
Down's syndrome and, despite battling cancer and other ailments, 
he lived a full life, surviving 18 years longer than expected; he 
earned gold, silver, and bronze medals as a Special Olympian and 
completed high school and two semesters of college; and
	WHEREAS, He was a faithful member of the Messiah Lutheran 
Church, where he enjoyed seeing his friends and singing with his 
unmistakable voice; and
	WHEREAS, An honorary Marine, Phillip treasured a flag that 
had flown in Iraq and was signed by a group of Marines; lauding 
his courage, they awarded him some of their overseas medals as 
well as the flag; and
	WHEREAS, In the final months of his life, he fulfilled a 
lifelong dream of being a firefighter; the Cedar Hill Fire 
Department invited him to become an unofficial Firefighter at the 
fire station; despite his physical limitations, he insisted on 
working and took a turn with the hose and cleaned the fire trucks, 
earning a blackened helmet; and
	WHEREAS, Phillip succeeded in leading a joyful and 
inspirational life and was cherished by all who had a chance to 
know him; and
	WHEREAS, He was a devoted son and brother, 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 Phillip William Ellis:  his mother, Karen; his 
father, Jim; and his younger brother, Andrew; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
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 Phillip William Ellis.
                                                                          Harris




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 12, 2005, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate