81R19471 JGH-D

By: Miller of Comal H.R. No. 1475

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Frontier Times Museum in Bandera is honoring nine extraordinary Texans by inducting them into its new Texas Heroes Hall of Honor on the National Day of the American Cowboy, July 25, 2009; and

WHEREAS, The museum was founded in 1933 to house the Western memorabilia collected by J. Marvin Hunter, the publisher of Frontier Times magazine and author of The Authentic History of Sam Bass and His Gang; and

WHEREAS, The museum's first annual Hall of Honor celebration recognizes the pioneering spirit, strength of character, and contributions to Texas culture of three posthumous inductees and six living legends; and

WHEREAS, One of the inaugural Hall of Honor posthumous inductees is Mr. Hunter, for his preservation of firsthand accounts of early settlers and for fostering interest in frontier history; and

WHEREAS, The second posthumous inductee is the noted Texas historian and author, J. Frank Dobie, who collected stories and legends of the Southwest for his many books about Western life and culture; and

WHEREAS, Also inducted posthumously is Maudeen Marks, an admired Texas rancher who helped start the Houston Fat Stock Show and Rodeo, the Salt Grass Trail Ride, and the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America; and

WHEREAS, The inductees in the Living Legend category include the 1957 World Champion calf roper Ray Wharton, who has encouraged and mentored generations of rodeo riders; and

WHEREAS, Cleo Hearn, a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association since 1959, is the founder of the Cowboys of Color Rodeo, highlighting the contributions all cultures and races have made to the history of the West; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Fitzpatrick, the 2008 World Champion trick roper, serves as an ambassador for the cowboy way of life, delighting and charming audiences through his skill with a rope; and

WHEREAS, Joe Bowman has demonstrated the art of the "fast draw" around the world, instructing members of the FBI, the Texas Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies in the handling of firearms and sharing his skills with many movie stars; and

WHEREAS, Terry Boothe is a preservationist of Texas culture, promoting Texas holidays and helping to found the Texas Cultural Heritage Preservation Association; and

WHEREAS, One of the founders of the San Antonio Charro Association, Dr. Raul Gaona, Sr., works to reinforce the strong ties between Texas and Mexico, promoting classical Mexican culture in the Lone Star State; and

WHEREAS, The many achievements of the 2009 Hall of Honor inductees contribute greatly to the richness and diversity of Texas culture and heritage, and they may take great pride in this special recognition from the Frontier Times Museum; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the 2009 inductees of the Frontier Times Museum Texas Heroes Hall of Honor and honor them for their enduring contributions to the Lone Star State; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the living legend honorees as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.