SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 601
In Memory
of
Thomas David Kirksey
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Dr. Thomas David
Kirksey, who died March 17, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Tom Kirksey was born in China in 1932 to Colonel
Oscar Thweatt Kirksey and Susan Iola Dailey; he was married to
his wife, Gene, for 54 years, and the couple raised four
daughters, who blessed them with five grandchildren and a
great-grandchild; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Kirksey earned his medical degree and
performed his residency at The University of Texas Medical Branch
at Galveston; from 1966 through 1968, he served in the United
States Army, where he helped design a burn patient evacuation
system; and
WHEREAS, In 1969, Dr. Kirksey moved to Austin, where he was
a pioneer in the field of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery;
while serving as director of medical education at Brackenridge
Hospital, he helped develop a university-affiliated graduate
medical program that enabled the hospital to continue its
educational program and helped establish the Central Texas
Medical Foundation; and
WHEREAS, He was a passionate advocate for indigent care and
played a significant role in the establishment of Emergency
Medical Services in the 1970s; he was active in numerous
professional organizations and served as president of the Travis
County Medical Society and as chair of the Credentials Committee
of the American College of Surgeons; he was named Physician of
the Year in 1999 by the Travis County Medical Society; and
WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he
gave generously to others, and his commitment to his profession
and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be
forgotten by those who were privileged to share in his life; and
WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather,
and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his
family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Dr. Thomas David Kirksey; 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 Dr. Thomas David Kirksey.
Watson
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 4, 2013, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate