SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 434

In Memory

of

Johnnie B. Rogers

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of noted attorney and public servant Johnnie B. Rogers, who died March 8, 2015, at the age of 89; and

WHEREAS, Johnnie Rogers was born on July 6, 1925, in Austin, to Bruce Franklin Rogers and Dorothy Merle Finegan Rogers; he grew up in the shadow of the Capitol, a place that would have a long and profound impact on his life; at the age of 10, he was a page to the doorkeeper of the Texas House of Representatives; he became the bill clerk, and he was assistant parliamentarian when he was 18; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rogers joined the United States Navy's officer training program after his graduation from Austin High School; during his military service, he was stationed at North Texas Agricultural College and The University of Texas at Austin and was active in athletics on both campuses; and

WHEREAS, After his military service, Mr. Rogers was attending Howard Payne University on a football scholarship when he met Jo Ann Davis, who would become his beloved wife of 65 years; they raised four children together and were blessed with seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, He entered political life while still attending the university; he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives at the age of 22, and at 27, he was elected to the Texas Senate to represent Travis, Bastrop, and Williamson Counties; he continued to further his education while in office by earning a journalism degree and attending The University of Texas School of Law; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rogers was licensed to practice law in 1955; he continued his involvement in state government as general counsel for a wide range of statewide trade associations and other commercial groups; he was particularly proud of his work in organizing a statewide movement that resulted in much-needed reforms to the state's workers' compensation laws; and

WHEREAS, A man of strength, compassion, and wisdom, he gave unselfishly to others, and his enduring intellectual curiosity, his quick wit and sense of humor, and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to share in his life; 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, 84th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Johnnie B. Rogers; 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 Johnnie B. Rogers.

Watson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 25, 2015, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate