SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 204
In Memory
of
Royce Hopkins
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of World War II veteran, businessman, and
Waller County civic leader Royce Hopkins, who died February 6,
2009, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Royce Hopkins was born May 20, 1924, in Headrick,
Oklahoma, to Roy and Lillie Hopkins; he enlisted in the United
States Army Air Corps at the age of 18 and served as a B-17 bomber
pilot in the 8th Air Force, 306th Bomb Group, 367th Bomb
Squadron; he flew 26 combat missions over Germany and earned
numerous medals, including four Air Medals, two Presidential
Commendations, and a Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hopkins received a bachelor's degree in
accounting with honors from Texas Tech University and began
working as an accountant for the Lynn Elliott Company and EIM in
Houston; he later became general manager for EIM, where he
developed and patented a flow valve controller; in 1968 he joined
Texas Steel and Wire as vice president and general manager and
became a group vice president when the company was acquired by
Davis-Walker Corporation; and
WHEREAS, After he retired in 1981, Royce became active in
the Republican Party and served as a precinct chairman and a
member of the Waller County executive committee; he also served
on several civic boards and committees and supported the Houston
Executive Airport; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hopkins was a longtime member of the 306th
Bomb Group Association, serving as treasurer and assisting in the
development of the Thurleigh Airfield 306th Bomb Group Museum; he
was also a member of and active leader in the First United
Methodist Church in Brookshire; and
WHEREAS, Royce Hopkins was an honorable man who was admired
and respected in the community for his service and his many
accomplishments; he was a devoted husband, father, and
grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured
forever by all who knew him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Royce Hopkins: his wife, Mollie; his daughters and
sons-in-law, Sharon and Peter Harvey, Kim and Jeff Montag, and
Kit Hopkins; his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Andrea
Hopkins; his grandchildren, Chris and Jennifer; and his sisters,
Joye McLain and Lois Ann King; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Royce Hopkins.
Hegar
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 17, 2009,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate