SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 704
In Memory
of
Thomas R. Parsons
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of retired Colonel Thomas R. Parsons, who
died March 23, 2009, at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Parsons was born October 19, 1928, in
Luann, Arkansas; following his graduation from Texas A&M
University in 1949, he embarked on a career in the United States
Army that saw him rise to the rank of colonel and took him to
numerous postings around the world, including service in the
Korean and Vietnam Wars; and
WHEREAS, In 1971 Colonel Parsons became commandant of the
Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University, where he served the
longest term in history as an active duty officer; during his
tenure, he helped establish a mounted unit, which was named the
Parsons Mounted Cavalry in his honor and continues in existence
today; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement in 1977, Colonel Parsons
remained at the university as Director of Safety and Traffic for
seven years; and
WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he
gave generously to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued
counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Parsons was a devoted husband and father,
and he will continue to live in the hearts and minds of those he
left behind; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Colonel Thomas R. Parsons: his beloved wife, Graciela;
his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Paul; his son, Phil; his
granddaughter and her husband, Barbara and Matt; his grandson,
Russell; his brother and sister-in-law, George and Joyce; and his
stepson and family, Carlos and Bridget Evans and their children,
Austin and Morgan; 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 Colonel Thomas R. Parsons.
Wentworth
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 23, 2009, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate