SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 105

In Memory

of

Adalberto Carlos Thomae, Jr.

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of San Antonio in mourning the loss of Adalberto Carlos Thomae, Jr., who died December 27, 2008, at the age of 88; and

WHEREAS, Adalberto Thomae was born in San Antonio to Gertrudis Yndo and Adalberto Carlos Thomae, Sr., on July 15, 1920; and

WHEREAS, He was a descendant of Adolph Carl Thomae, a founder of New Braunfels; Don Miguel Yndo, a ranch founder and Canary Island settler; and Erastus "Deaf" Smith, a hero of the Battle of San Jacinto; and

WHEREAS, Known as "Beto," "Al," or "A.C." by his family and many friends, Adalberto bravely served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater and survived injuries from hand-to-hand combat and shrapnel; he returned home to marry his childhood sweetheart and become a rancher; and

WHEREAS, Adalberto spent his life operating and preserving his family's historic Thomae-Yndo Ranch in Wilson County; after a severe drought in 1951, he had to become a part-time rancher; he moved to San Antonio's South Side and began traveling throughout South Texas as a wholesale salesman for Morton Salt; he was a hunter and longtime conservationist and was a supporter of the Coastal Conservation Association of Texas; and

WHEREAS, He was an exemplary gentleman who was known for his courage and intrepid spirit; the frequent host of get-togethers, barbecues, and hunts at the Thomae-Yndo Ranch, he was a friend of such Texas political giants as Lyndon B. Johnson and John Connally; full of vitality and active throughout his life, he was still herding cattle some months before his death; and

WHEREAS, A prominent and beloved South Texas citizen, Adalberto Thomae was devoted to his family and many friends, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by all who loved him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Adalberto Carlos Thomae, Jr.: his wife of 62 years, Conita Benavides Thomae; his children, Connie Thomae Fitzgerald, and her husband, Bill, Al Thomae III, Bob Thomae, and his wife, Kim, and Mari Thomae Garza, and her husband, Jesús; his sisters, Gertrude Thomae King and Rosemond Gomez Thomae; and his nine grandchildren and 12 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 Adalberto Thomae, Jr.

Wentworth

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 2, 2009, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate