80R18540 LRP-D

By: Dutton H.R. No. 1975

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Countless lives were touched by the kindness and spiritual leadership of the Reverend Father Isaac Onante Francis, who passed away on April 26, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Born on December 19, 1949, in Ghana, Isaac Francis initially trained to be an accountant and worked in various hotels in Africa; he moved to the United States in 1973 and lived in New York City, Worchester, Massachusetts, and Dallas before settling in Houston and working for the Reed Company; after choosing to enter the priesthood, he was educated in Wisconsin, earning his bachelor's degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee and his master of divinity degree from the Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners; and

WHEREAS, The Reverend Father Francis was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston on December 13, 1997; over the years, he served as assistant pastor of St. Cyril of Alexandria Church, St. Thomas More Church, and St. Francis of Assisi Church; in addition, he helped families in their time of need as hospital chaplain at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital in Houston; and

WHEREAS, Although his death has brought great sorrow to his family and his parishioners, "Father Isaac" lived a caring and purposeful life, and his gentle spirit and warm smile brought joy and comfort to all who were fortunate enough to share in his wise counsel; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of the Reverend Father Isaac Onante Francis and offer condolences to the members of his family: to his sisters, Afua Afrakoma and Philomena Adu; to his nephews, Ben Twum, Sam Bonsu, and Frank Adu Mensah; and to his other relatives and many friends; 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 the Reverend Father Isaac Onante Francis.