81R9803 BPG-D
By: Miller of Erath H.R. No. 985
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, More than one town claims to be the "Cowboy Capital
of the World," but Stephenville can surely strengthen its case by
virtue of its status as the hometown of Whit Keeney, who has resided
in Erath County for all of his 92 years and continues to embody the
true spirit of pioneer Texas; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, Mr.
Keeney holds a gold card from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys
Association and has won 37 trophy saddles; in addition, he won eight
consecutive all-around championships at the National Old Timers
Rodeo and was inducted into the Stephenville Cowboy Capital Walk of
Fame in 1999; and
WHEREAS, His immense skill at roping and bulldogging made a
lasting impression on countless observers, among them a young
neighbor; years later she vividly recalled as "almost magical" the
way Mr. Keeney worked with his horse and his dogs to pen and load a
Holstein bull that had attacked her grandfather and brother; Mr.
Keeney also raised and trained border collies and entertained with
them at rodeos; and
WHEREAS, In North Central and Central Texas, several
generations of youngsters grew up idolizing Mr. Keeney; they
learned the cowboy trade by watching him work livestock and rope
everything from a wild cow to a pig, and even a housecat or two, as
easily as taking a casual sip of coffee; early in his career, he
roped with Will Rogers at the Texas Cowboy Reunion, which was
founded in Stamford in 1930 to preserve the cowboy way of life;
still doing his part for preservation more than half a century
later, Mr. Keeney could be found out in the countryside roping
cattle when he was a few decades past Social Security retirement
age; and
WHEREAS, This quintessential Texan has been described as "a
real character as well as a real cowboy," and his friends and
admirers cherish his distinctive sense of humor and endearing
personality; the Lone Star State takes great pride in its frontier
heritage and rugged individualism, and Whit Keeney exemplifies
both; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize Whit Keeney of Stephenville for his
myriad accomplishments and extend to him sincere best wishes for
continued happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Keeney as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.