H.R. No. 755
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Friends and family are mourning the loss of
W. A. Orton, Jr., of Baytown, who died on October 25, 2012, at the
age of 86; and
WHEREAS, "Skeeter" Orton was born on March 1, 1926, in
Baytown, and his keen interest in sports was evident from an early
age, when he became a bat boy for a local semipro baseball team; he
played football at Robert E. Lee High School and Stephen F. Austin
State University, and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in
government and physical education at Sam Houston State University,
where he presided over the Baytown Club; during his service in the
U.S. Army, Mr. Orton joined a military football team that won the
European championship in Germany; and
WHEREAS, Following his discharge, he went to work for the
Humble Oil and Refining Company, later known as Exxon; he retired in
1986; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Orton's passion for athletics continued through
his involvement in youth sports, and he mentored hundreds of boys
while coaching baseball, football, and basketball; he dedicated
many long hours to giving instruction on the finer points of games,
and with his kindness, patience, and calm demeanor, he taught
lessons that went far beyond sports; he was honored for his work
with the Baytown Community Service Award and the Optimist Youth
Club Award; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Mr. Orton was deeply engaged in
his community; he was a charter member of the Bay Area Heritage
Society and held a place on the inaugural board of directors of the
Baytown YMCA; he served as an assistant scoutmaster and worked with
the East Harris District Scout Board and the Sam Houston Area
Council; in addition, he was a valued member of the board of
directors of the Hill Country ExxonMobil Retirees Club; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Orton also took great pleasure in attending
sports events, and he was such a well-known fan in Fredericksburg
that he received a Spirit Stick citation from the high school
cheerleaders and was asked to throw out the first pitch at several
baseball contests; other pastimes he enjoyed included listening to
music, going to movies, reading, and studying history; and
WHEREAS, For nearly six decades, he enjoyed the love and
support of his wife, the former Wanda Jones, whom he met when they
acted together in a play at Lee College; married in 1954, the couple
were blessed with a daughter, Jan, and their family later grew to
include a granddaughter, Olivia, and a grandson, Scott; and
WHEREAS, A beloved mentor known for his optimism and an
infectious smile, Skeeter Orton was a positive influence in the
lives of countless young people, and he leaves behind a legacy that
will resonate in the community for years to come; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of W. A. Orton, Jr., and
extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Wanda Orton; to his daughter, Jan McGowen; to his
grandchildren, Olivia and Scott McGowen; 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 Skeeter
Orton.
Smith
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 755 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 20, 2013.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House