H.R. No. 1475
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Frontier Times Museum in Bandera is honoring
nine extraordinary Texans by inducting them into its new Texas
Heroes Hall of Honor on the National Day of the American Cowboy,
July 25, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The museum was founded in 1933 to house the Western
memorabilia collected by J. Marvin Hunter, the publisher of
Frontier Times magazine and author of The Authentic History of Sam
Bass and His Gang; and
WHEREAS, The museum's first annual Hall of Honor celebration
recognizes the pioneering spirit, strength of character, and
contributions to Texas culture of three posthumous inductees and
six living legends; and
WHEREAS, One of the inaugural Hall of Honor posthumous
inductees is Mr. Hunter, for his preservation of firsthand accounts
of early settlers and for fostering interest in frontier history;
and
WHEREAS, The second posthumous inductee is the noted Texas
historian and author J. Frank Dobie, who collected stories and
legends of the Southwest for his many books about Western life and
culture; and
WHEREAS, Also inducted posthumously is Maudeen Marks, an
admired Texas rancher who helped start the Houston Fat Stock Show
and Rodeo, the Salt Grass Trail Ride, and the Texas Longhorn
Breeders Association of America; and
WHEREAS, The inductees in the Living Legend category include
the 1957 World Champion calf roper Ray Wharton, who has encouraged
and mentored generations of rodeo riders; and
WHEREAS, Cleo Hearn, a member of the Professional Rodeo
Cowboys Association since 1959, is the founder of the Cowboys of
Color Rodeo, highlighting the contributions all cultures and races
have made to the history of the West; and
WHEREAS, Kevin Fitzpatrick, the 2008 World Champion trick
roper, serves as an ambassador for the cowboy way of life,
delighting and charming audiences through his skill with a rope;
and
WHEREAS, Joe Bowman has demonstrated the art of the "fast
draw" around the world, instructing members of the FBI, the Texas
Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies in the handling of
firearms and sharing his skills with many movie stars; and
WHEREAS, Terry Boothe is a preservationist of Texas culture,
promoting Texas holidays and helping to found the Texas Cultural
Heritage Preservation Association; and
WHEREAS, One of the founders of the San Antonio Charro
Association, Dr. Raul Gaona, Sr., works to reinforce the strong
ties between Texas and Mexico, promoting classical Mexican culture
in the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, The many achievements of the 2009 Hall of Honor
inductees contribute greatly to the richness and diversity of Texas
culture and heritage, and they may take great pride in this special
recognition from the Frontier Times Museum; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the 2009 inductees of the Frontier
Times Museum Texas Heroes Hall of Honor and honor them for their
enduring contributions to the Lone Star State; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the living legend honorees as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
Miller of Comal
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1475 was adopted by the House on April
30, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House