2023S0199-1 02/24/23
 
  By: West S.R. No. 235
 
 
 
SENATE RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to pay
  tribute to Luther Vernon Francis on the joyous occasion of his
  100th birthday, which is being celebrated on February 25, 2023,
  in Prairie View; and
         WHEREAS, Born on February 24, 1923, in Paris, Texas,
  Luther Vernon Francis is an exemplary citizen and an accomplished
  gentleman and scholar; a beloved and respected member of his
  Prairie View community, Luther is admired for his many notable
  achievements as well as for his charming wit, his impeccable
  sense of style, and his generous and gracious spirit; and
         WHEREAS, A gifted and determined individual, Luther
  graduated salutatorian of his high school class and went on to
  serve in the Civilian Conservation Corps and in the United States
  Army, during which time he developed his skill as a land surveyor
  and enrolled as a student at Prairie View College; and
         WHEREAS, After earning his master's degree, Luther was
  hired as a professor at Prairie View A&M College and began a long
  and rewarding career at the school; he became a highly esteemed
  faculty member and a trusted administrator, and he served the
  institution in various leadership roles over the years,
  including as a department head, facility director, and business
  manager; and 
         WHEREAS, In addition to serving as an educator, Luther
  learned to fly airplanes and obtained a pilot license; his
  experience as a land surveyor and his familiarity with the local
  terrain were an asset to him during many of his flights, as he
  occasionally needed to pilot his plane into landing in the dark
  without the benefit of lights; and
         WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Luther has met both
  challenges and opportunities with strength and virtue; he has
  been privileged to witness historic events and achievements that
  many people only read about in history books, and there is much to
  be learned from the wisdom he has gained; a 100th birthday is
  truly a milestone deserving of recognition, and it is indeed
  fitting that his loved ones gather to express their appreciation
  and affection and to celebrate this momentous occasion; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
  Legislature, hereby recognize Luther Vernon Francis as a
  treasured citizen of the Lone Star State and extend to him
  congratulations on his 100th birthday and best wishes for a
  memorable birthday celebration; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.