SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 812

In Memory

of

Joseph Eltidge Thigpen

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Haskell in mourning the loss of Dr. Joseph Eltidge Thigpen, who died April 16, 2013, at the age of 92; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Thigpen was born September 30, 1920, in Bay Springs, Mississippi; he graduated from Bay Springs High School at the age of 16 and went on to earn a degree in biology from Mississippi College; and

WHEREAS, He enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1942 and served the nation with distinction in the Pacific theater as a pilot during World War II; in honor of his exemplary service, he received the Asiatic Pacific Air Medal with one bronze star and the World War II American Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, While on leave during his military service, he met Beunis Ratliff of Haskell, and the couple married on October 19, 1944; they enjoyed 68 years of marriage together, raised four children, Joseph, Peggy, Anita, and Emily, and were blessed with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, After his service in the military, he earned a degree from the University of Mississippi and was accepted into Baylor College of Medicine in Houston; he received his medical degree in 1950 and moved with his family to Haskell, where he served four generations of patients with great dedication; and

WHEREAS, He was affectionately known as Dr. Joe to his patients, who appreciated the concern and understanding he gave them; he treated his patients like his family, and he continued to make house calls long after most doctors had ceased the practice; in recognition of his years of exceptional service to the community, he was named Haskell's Citizen of the Year in 1994; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Thigpen passed on to succeeding generations of his family the interest in medicine he had received from his father, who was also a physician; his daughter Anita is a registered nurse, his daughter Emily is a registered pharmacist, and his grandson Ross has followed in his footsteps by attending medical school; he was especially proud when Texas Tech University named its nursing school the Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Thigpen was an enthusiastic flyer and often took his family on impromptu flights to Ruidoso or Palo Duro Canyon in his Piper Comanche airplane; and

WHEREAS, A man of high standards, compassion, and humility, he gave unselfishly to others, and his generous spirit, his love of medicine, and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest 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 countless friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Dr. Joseph Eltidge Thigpen; 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. Joseph Eltidge Thigpen.

Duncan

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 2, 2013, by a rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate