81R2221 MDM-D
By: Hilderbran H.R. No. 40
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Kerrville lost a beloved neighbor and
community leader with the death of Dr. Gene Atkinson on October 18,
2008, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, Born in Houston on June 20, 1925, Gene Atkinson was
the son of Smith and Nellie Atkinson and enjoyed the companionship
of three sisters, Donna, Ruth, and Beverly; he graduated from Milby
High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in physics from
Rice University, followed by master's and doctoral degrees in
education from the University of Houston; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Atkinson began his notable career in education
as an associate dean of instruction and professor of physical
science at California State College at Long Beach; returning to his
hometown, he joined the faculty of the University of Houston, where
he served as associate dean of the College of Education, assistant
dean of faculties, and dean of faculties; Dr. Atkinson chaired the
college's Department of Administration and Supervision and
directed the Center for International Education; a mentor to
faculty and students alike, he traveled globally to establish
university programs in France, Brazil, and Mexico, and served on
various panels that research and accredit university programs
throughout Texas; and
WHEREAS, After the death of his first wife, Claudene Douglas
Atkinson, Gene Atkinson was fortunate to find love a second time; he
married Vivian Shaw, and with her enjoyed a fulfilling relationship
that was further enriched with the love and affection of their
children and grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Atkinson was a veteran of World War II and the
Korean War who retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve with the rank of
commander; in retirement, he was elected to several terms as a
trustee with the Ingram Independent School District, took an active
role at the First United Methodist Church of Kerrville, and devoted
some of his leisure time to his interest in amateur radio; and
WHEREAS, Gene Atkinson leaves behind a legacy of immense
contributions to his community and beyond, and those who were
fortunate enough to share in the richness of his life will forever
treasure their memories of this esteemed Texan; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Gene Atkinson and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife,
Vivian Shaw Atkinson; to his son, Mark Douglas Atkinson, and his
wife, Vicki; to his grandsons, Richard Evans Bowen, Jacob Austin
Bowen, Joshua Earl Bowen, and Samuel Douglas Atkinson; to his
sisters, Ruth Atkinson Vetter and Beverly Atkinson Booher and her
husband, Cletis Booher; to his stepchildren, Glenna Shaw Garcia and
her husband, Edmundo, Suzanne Claire Hamilton and her husband,
Allen, and Stuart Dunlop Shaw and his wife, Kimi; 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 House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Gene
Atkinson.