SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 654
 
 
  In Memory
  of
  Roland M. Meffert
 
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
  commemorates the life of Dr. Roland M. "Rollie" Meffert, who died
  March 22, 2011, at the age of 76; and
         WHEREAS, A pioneer in the field of dental implants, Dr. Meffert
  served the nation with honor and distinction for 20 years in the
  United States Air Force, where he counted among his patients
  early National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts
  and United States prisoners of war returning from Vietnam; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Meffert earned his dental degree from
  Marquette University in 1955; he engendered controversy early in
  his career for his assertion that dentists could insert dental
  implants, but the profession came to embrace the idea; he was
  also known for developing the surgical techniques used to repair
  implants; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Meffert directed the postdoctoral program in
  periodontics at The University of Texas Health Science Center at
  San Antonio for many years and served as its chair from 1979 to
  1984; he held a similar position at Louisiana State University
  before returning to San Antonio; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Meffert delivered lectures about dental
  implants throughout the world; the Meffert-Mutlu Implant
  Institute in Turkey was named in his honor, and the Roland M.
  Meffert International Symposium was convened in New Orleans in
  1994; and
         WHEREAS, A man of courage, determination, and perseverance,
  Dr. Meffert gave unselfishly to others, and his commitment to his
  patients, his students, and his profession will not be forgotten
  by those who knew him; and
         WHEREAS, He was beloved by his family and friends, and he
  will long be remembered with affection and admiration by all
  those who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore,
  be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
  Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
  family of Dr. Roland M. Meffert; 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
  Dr. Roland M. Meffert.
  Van de Putte
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on March 29, 2011, by a
    rising vote.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate