SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 807

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize William Edward Brown, Jr., on the occasion of his 91st birthday; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished gentleman is well known for his wisdom and generosity of spirit, and he is a respected and admired citizen of this state; and

WHEREAS, Bill Brown was born May 20, 1922, in Floydada; he studied mechanical engineering for two years at Texas Tech University, but dropped out in 1943 to serve his country in the United States Army Air Corps; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Brown was deployed to Europe in 1944 to fly C-47 transport aircraft; he also flew seven combat missions and served as a glider pilot in Operation Varsity, the last large-scale airborne operation of World War II; over the course of his military service, he was awarded numerous medals and commendations, including a Bronze Star; and

WHEREAS, After the war, he returned to Floydada and his family's farm; he married his wife, Jo-Hal, on August 2, 1948, and the couple raised six children, Rande Lu, Jo-Christy, William Edward, Cary O'Keefe, Thiess Martin, and Tracy Wolf; they have been blessed with 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Brown remained devoted to flying and piloted his own airplane well into his 80s, and each of his sons earned a pilot's license, following in the family tradition begun by his father, William Edward Brown, Sr.; and

WHEREAS, In celebration of his birthday, friends and family are gathering on May 15, 2013, to congratulate him and share in this milestone in his life; a beloved and esteemed member of his community, he is noted for his courage, his compassion for others, and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend William Edward Brown, Jr., on his many achievements and extend to him best wishes for a memorable 91st birthday celebration; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Watson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 1, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate