SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 374

In Memory

of

Clyde Dunnam

WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close on May 3, 2024, with the passing of Clyde Vance Dunnam of Waco at the age of 94; and

WHEREAS, Born in Waco on November 6, 1929, Vance Dunnam grew up in Speegleville and graduated from Waco High School; he earned his bachelor's degree from Baylor University in 1951 and his juris doctor degree from Baylor Law School the following year; and

WHEREAS, After obtaining his admission to the bar and a short stint working for a Houston oil company, Mr. Dunnam joined his father and brother at Dunnam & Dunnam, LLP, where he worked for seven decades; over the course of his career, he earned a reputation as one of the most skilled and successful trial attorneys in Central Texas; he served as a mentor to hundreds of colleagues and further contributed to his professional community as president of the McLennan County Junior Bar Association and the Waco-McLennan County Bar Association; through the years, he had the pleasure of practicing with a number of family members, and he worked up until the last weeks of his life; and

WHEREAS, In 1952, Mr. Dunnam married Vicki Hohertz, and they shared in the joy of raising three children, Vance, Cathy, and Jim; after his wife's death in 1995, he found love again with Merrilee Lafferty Harmon, whom he wed in 1997; with the passing years, he delighted in watching his cherished family grow to include numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Dunnam held leadership positions in several organizations, including the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, and the Karem Shrine as well as the Waco Jaycees and the Knights of Pythias; he was also a man of faith and a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday school for many years; in his leisure time, he enjoyed cattle and hay ranching, sailing, riding his motorcycle, fly-fishing, beekeeping, hunting, and any time that he could spend with his children and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dunnam especially took pride in the history and success of Dunnam & Dunnam, LLP, where he worked for most of his career, even up until a few weeks before his passing, and he truly loved the fact that he successfully instilled the same pride in his children and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dunnam could not have been more loyal to his lifelong friends and employees, no matter their politics, race, or religion; in addition, he also worked tirelessly to mend all fences with those who might have become estranged; and

WHEREAS, Although Vance Dunnam is deeply missed, memories of his wisdom, his sense of humor, and his generosity remain to comfort and inspire those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Clyde Vance Dunnam and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Merrilee L. Harmon; to his children, Vance Dunnam Jr. and his wife, Irma, Cathy Dunnam Pleitz and her husband, Dan, and Jim Dunnam and his wife, Michelle; to his grandchildren, Vanessa, Jennifer, Stephanie, Joshua, Jacob, Jordan, Lauren, Mason, and Rachel; to his 12 great-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Vance Dunnam.

Gutierrez, Birdwell, Menéndez

______________________________

Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 8, 2025, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate