SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1155

In Memory

of

Claude C. McRaven

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of San Antonio in mourning the loss of Colonel Claude C. "Mac" McRaven, who died May 13, 2007, at the age of 89; and

WHEREAS, Claude McRaven was born in East Saint Louis, Illinois, and raised in Portageville, Missouri, where his athletic exploits made him a hometown legend; he received a football scholarship to Murray State Teachers College in Kentucky, where he broke school records in running and receiving; after college, he signed a contract with the Cleveland Rams of the National Football League; and

WHEREAS, At the outbreak of World War II, Mr. McRaven joined the United States Army Air Corps; he was assigned to the 31st Pursuit Group in England, where he flew British Spitfires in support of cross channel bomber missions; his awards and decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters, and four European Campaign Medals; and

WHEREAS, Following the war, he was stationed in Victoria, Texas, where he met Anna Elizabeth Long, whom he later married; the couple were married for 40 years and were able to travel the world, as he served in such locations as Formosa, France, and various stateside postings; and

WHEREAS, Colonel McRaven retired in 1967 from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and worked briefly for the city's Model Cities Program before becoming the city's Labor Relations negotiator; he was known for his ability to bargain fairly and firmly while staying composed under pressure; and

WHEREAS, Mac McRaven was a gregarious man whose storytelling ability and sense of humor brightened the lives of others; he was devoted to his family, and his generosity and enthusiasm for life will continue to live in the hearts and minds of those he left behind; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Claude C. McRaven: his children, Marianna Jacobs, Nan McRaven, and Bill McRaven; his brother, Dr. Alvin McRaven; and his seven 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 Colonel Claude C. McRaven. Wentworth

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 25, 2007, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate