SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 101

In Memory

of

John Kelso

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of John Kelso, who died July 28, 2017, at the age of 73; and

WHEREAS, John Kelso was a hardworking newspaperman and a beloved figure in the Austin community; he was famous for his eloquent and humorous writings and for his inimitable style for telling tales; he was known to many as the bard of South Austin; and

WHEREAS, John Kelso was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Maine; he attended the University of Missouri and worked for the Manchester Union-Leader and the Portsmouth Herald before serving in the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, After his military service, he worked for a time with a newspaper in Florida before joining the staff of the Austin American-Statesman in 1976; he began writing his signature humor column in 1977, and over the next 40 years, his column was a defining voice for Austin and a highly popular award-winning fixture in the newspaper; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Mr. Kelso chronicled the joys and absurdities of life in Austin and played a significant role in shedding light on the city's unique spirit; he delighted in poking fun at whatever or whomever, and he took special pleasure in skewering Oklahoma in the run-up to the annual Texas-Oklahoma football game; and

WHEREAS, He published three books, Bubba (he's the one with his tongue hanging out) his tongue hanging out) Confessions of a Professional Smart-Ass; his column was named Best in Texas multiple times by the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors, and he also received honors from the Headliners Foundation of Texas and the Society for Features Journalism; in 2005, he received the National Press Club's Angele Gingras Humor Award for his body of work; and

WHEREAS, While famous for his writings, John Kelso was also noted for his courage, his kindness, and his generous spirit; he was cherished for his wit and good 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 and father, 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, 85th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of John Kelso: his beloved wife, Kay, and his stepdaughters, Lauren Williams and Rachel Cavin; 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 John Kelso.

Watson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on August 7, 2017, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate