SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 723
 
 
  In Memory
  of
  William Marcus Gosdin
 
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
  commemorates the life of longtime director of park services for
  the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department William Marcus Gosdin,
  who died March 19, 2011, at the age of 92; and
         WHEREAS, William Marcus Gosdin was born March 28, 1918, in
  Leesburg, Texas; he persevered despite the loss of his father at
  the age of nine and began working his way through college after
  graduating from high school; he married Leah McWhorter in 1940,
  and the couple raised three children and enjoyed 43 years of
  marriage before her death in 1984; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Gosdin enlisted in the United States Army Air
  Corps at the outbreak of World War II and served with distinction
  at various posts, including Fort Lewis and Bryan Army Air Field;
  and
         WHEREAS, Following the war, he determined to complete his
  education and re-entered Texas Tech University, where he earned
  bachelor's and master's degrees; he went on to serve on the
  faculty of the Horticulture and Park Administration Department
  and to direct a study on Texas state parks commissioned by the
  administration of Governor John Connally; and
         WHEREAS, In 1964, he was selected to become director of
  park services for the newly created Texas Parks and Wildlife
  Department; under his leadership, the state more than doubled its
  park acreage, and he played an important role in such initiatives
  as the $75 million Park Development Bond Program and the Texas
  Outdoor Recreation Plan; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Gosdin personally supervised the development
  of the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site under the
  watchful eye of President Johnson and left a personal imprint on
  many other parks; he was given the Pugsley Award in 1968, one of
  the nation's most prestigious honors in the fields of
  conservation, parks, and recreation; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Gosdin was active in the Boy Scouts program
  for many years, serving as a scoutmaster and leading groups of
  Explorer Scouts in outdoor activities; he was awarded the Silver
  Beaver, one of scouting's highest honors; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Gosdin married Martha S. "Tana" Spivey in
  1986, and they lived in New Mexico for the next 20 years and
  traveled extensively; they returned to Austin in 2006; and
         WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, Mr. Gosdin
  gave generously to others, and his wisdom, his love of the
  outdoors, and his commitment to Texas parks will not be
  forgotten; and
         WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and
  grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured
  forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
  Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
  family of William Marcus Gosdin: his wife, Tana; his children,
  John Mark, Gary, and Cherie; his stepson, Jay Spivey; and his six
  grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; 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
  William Marcus Gosdin.
 
  Watson
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on April 6, 2011, by a
    rising vote.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate