H.R. No. 217 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Friends and family are mourning the loss of Donald Eugene Allen of Weatherford, who passed away on January 13, 2009; and WHEREAS, A devoted husband and father, Don Allen shared more than half a century with his spouse, Nickie; together, they raised three daughters, Erin, Linda, and Jane, and later in life delighted in the company of their grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Mr. Allen worked as a claims examiner in the insurance industry for 13 years before purchasing a paint and decorating business with his wife; his hard work and entrepreneurial savvy also led him to establish a home construction company that he operated for many decades; one of his most notable works, Windsor House, was built for and managed by Mrs. Allen; and WHEREAS, An avid sports fan, Mr. Allen spent his free time cheering on his favorite teams, and he especially enjoyed baseball; and WHEREAS, Although Don Allen will be greatly missed, he led a caring and purposeful life, and he will always be remembered with great affection by those fortunate enough to have known him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Donald Eugene Allen and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Nickie Allen; to his daughters, Erin Ratliff and her husband, Tim, Linda Clark and her husband, Bart, and Jane Allen; to his grandchildren, Kelsey, Kyle, and Lindsey; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Don Allen. King of Parker ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 217 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 5, 2009. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House