SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 634

In Memory

of

Shelburne Jay Veselka

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Shelburne Jay Veselka, who died April 7, 2015, at the age of 71; and

WHEREAS, Shelly Veselka was born on July 3, 1943, in Port Arthur, to Ervin Otto and Geraldine Veselka; he grew up in oilfield towns across Texas and Louisiana, and he graduated from Houston's Bellaire High School in 1960; and

WHEREAS, He earned a degree in history from Texas A&M University, where he was a member of Company E-2 of the Corps of Cadets; during his senior year, he married Betty Ann Briggs, and they raised four children together, Jay, Christopher, Melissa, and Amy; later in his life, he married Brenda Hermes, and he rediscovered the joys and challenges of fatherhood in 2007 when their daughter, Victoria, was born; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Veselka served the nation with distinction as an officer in the United States Army; he received a Combat Infantry Badge, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart for his service in Vietnam, and he concluded his military career by serving in the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, After his discharge, he returned to school and earned a degree from The University of Texas School of Law; he joined the firm of McCreary and Huey and remained for 44 years, specializing in the collection of delinquent ad valorem taxes and risingtothepositionofprincipalpartner;thefirm of McCreary, Veselka, Bragg, and Allen enjoyed great success and benefited from his guidance; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Veselka was active in a variety of professional and community organizations, including the Texas Aggie Bar Association, the Texas Association of Assessing Officers, the Texas Association of School Boards, and Tarrytown United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, A man of strong principles and a remarkable generous spirit, he truly never met a stranger, and his unfailing good cheer, his lifelong love of learning, 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 countless 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 Shelburne Jay Veselka; 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 Shelburne Jay Veselka. Watson

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 27, 2015, by a rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate