SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 204

In Memory

of

Royce Hopkins

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of World War II veteran, businessman, and Waller County civic leader Royce Hopkins, who died February 6, 2009, at the age of 84; and

WHEREAS, Royce Hopkins was born May 20, 1924, in Headrick, Oklahoma, to Roy and Lillie Hopkins; he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps at the age of 18 and served as a B-17 bomber pilot in the 8th Air Force, 306th Bomb Group, 367th Bomb Squadron; he flew 26 combat missions over Germany and earned numerous medals, including four Air Medals, two Presidential Commendations, and a Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hopkins received a bachelor's degree in accounting with honors from Texas Tech University and began working as an accountant for the Lynn Elliott Company and EIM in Houston; he later became general manager for EIM, where he developed and patented a flow valve controller; in 1968 he joined Texas Steel and Wire as vice president and general manager and became a group vice president when the company was acquired by Davis-Walker Corporation; and

WHEREAS, After he retired in 1981, Royce became active in the Republican Party and served as a precinct chairman and a member of the Waller County executive committee; he also served on several civic boards and committees and supported the Houston Executive Airport; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hopkins was a longtime member of the 306th Bomb Group Association, serving as treasurer and assisting in the development of the Thurleigh Airfield 306th Bomb Group Museum; he was also a member of and active leader in the First United Methodist Church in Brookshire; and

WHEREAS, Royce Hopkins was an honorable man who was admired and respected in the community for his service and his many accomplishments; he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by all who knew 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 Royce Hopkins: his wife, Mollie; his daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Peter Harvey, Kim and Jeff Montag, and Kit Hopkins; his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Andrea Hopkins; his grandchildren, Chris and Jennifer; and his sisters, Joye McLain and Lois Ann King; 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 Royce Hopkins.

Hegar

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 17, 2009, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate