82R21816 MGR-D

By: Gallego H.R. No. 1497

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The family and friends of Willard Lowell Hendershott of Alpine were greatly saddened by his passing on March 5, 2011, at the age of 92; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 10, 1918, in Salina, Kansas, Willard Hendershott graduated from high school in 1936 and then worked and attended college; he entered the United States Army Air Corps in 1941, becoming a pilot, and served for more than four years during World War II; responsible for ferrying aircraft from U.S. factories to troops overseas in the European, Asiatic, and Pacific theaters, he rose to the rank of major and received many honors, including the American Defense Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal, before his discharge in 1946; and

WHEREAS, After the war, Mr. Hendershott was employed as a pilot with Eastern Airlines and also purchased and operated an avocado farm in Florida; following his retirement in 1975, he traveled the country in his RV with his dog, and while on the way to Big Bend National Park, he stopped in Alpine and fell in love with the area; he sold his farm and moved to Alpine in 1990; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hendershott enjoyed woodworking and devoted many hours to projects in his woodshop; an animal lover and philanthropist, he supported numerous local and national charities; and

WHEREAS, Willard Hendershott inspired others with his kind and caring ways, and memories of time spent in his company will be forever treasured by all those who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Willard Lowell Hendershott and extend sincere sympathy to his loved ones; 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 Willard Lowell Hendershott.