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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the |
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passing of Douglas Mitchel Sapp of Longview on March 21, 2025, at |
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the age of 82; and |
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WHEREAS, Doug Sapp was born in Crestview, Florida, on |
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January 5, 1943; he married Lanette Sapp in the early 1980s, and the |
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couple shared a fulfilling union that spanned more than four |
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decades; he took great pride in their daughters, Sharon and Reagan, |
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and with the passing years, he had the pleasure of seeing his |
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treasured family grow to include 5 grandchildren and 11 |
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great-grandchildren; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Sapp worked in the circulation departments of |
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newspapers in Florida, Beaumont, and Palestine, before moving with |
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his family to Longview and serving as circulation manager of the |
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Longview News-Journal; and |
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WHEREAS, A man of strong faith, Mr. Sapp embraced a calling |
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to the "ministry of laughter" in 1972 and embarked on a joyful |
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53-year career as a clown and magician; he began by playing Ronald |
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McDonald for a local McDonald's franchise, and he later adopted his |
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favorite alias, Happy T. Clown; over the years, he delighted |
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generations of East Texans performing as Happy at various community |
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events, including the Great Pumpkin Roll, the Longview Kite |
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Festival, and the Wonderland of Lights in Marshall; he frequently |
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lent his services to nonprofits benefiting children and individuals |
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with disabilities, and he brought joy and laughter to the lives of |
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many of Longview's elderly residents with regular performances at |
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local nursing homes; and |
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WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Mr. Sapp volunteered |
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with Greater Longview Young Life, Buckner Children and Family |
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Services, and Camp Buckner, and he was a member of the Judson Lions |
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Club and the Fellowship of Christian Magicians; and |
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WHEREAS, Doug Sapp brightened the world for all who knew him, |
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and the citizens of Longview were fortunate indeed to count him |
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among their fellow residents; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature |
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hereby pay tribute to the memory of Douglas Mitchel Sapp and extend |
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sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this |
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day, it do so in memory of Doug Sapp. |