SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 612
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in
recognizing the Honorable W. E. "Pete" Snelson, former senator
and Dean of the Senate, on the grand occasion of his 90th
birthday, March 28, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Wallace Eugene Snelson was born on March 28, 1923,
in the ranching community of Grandfalls; the sixth of seven
children, he was known as "Sweetie" as a young child; when, at the
age of five, he was sent to the local barbershop for a haircut and
would not tell the new barber his name, the barber took matters
into his own hands and gave him the name Pete, by which he has
been known ever since; Pete Snelson went on to graduate at the age
of 15 as salutatorian of his Grandfalls-Royalty High School class
and to later become one of the most distinguished members of the
Texas Senate; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after his 20th birthday, Pete Snelson
joined the United States Army, and he served his country during
World War II in the European theater; he was wounded in the early
days of the Alsace Campaign, received a Bronze Star for his
courageous service, and was selected to serve as a special agent
of the Counter Intelligence Corps; and
WHEREAS, Pete Snelson graduated from The University of
Texas at El Paso, earned a master's degree from Northwestern
University, and served as a teacher at high school and university
levels; he became a highly respected community leader in Midland
and was active in numerous civic organizations; he was noted for
his outstanding service as president of the Texas Jaycees; and
WHEREAS, He was elected to the Texas House of
Representatives in 1960 and to the Texas Senate in 1964; he
served with distinction in the Senate for 16 years and was the
longtime senator for District 25, which then included 35 counties
and was the largest state senate district in the country; during
his tenure, Senator Snelson served as chairman of the Education
Committee and was a longtime member of the Legislative Budget
Board and the Senate Finance Committee; he served as president
pro tempore in 1971 and 1972; he was serving as Dean of the Senate
when he retired from the legislature in 1983; and
WHEREAS, While serving in the Senate, he earned the
widespread admiration and highest regard of his colleagues; he
was an insightful politician and an effective lawmaker who was
respected for his good judgment and solid leadership; Senator
Snelson later became an independent legislative consultant in
Austin and handled legislative affairs for the Texas Association
of Community Schools; and
WHEREAS, Senator Snelson is devoted to his family and has
been noted throughout his life for his unquestionable integrity
and his dedication to his work as a public servant; he is an
exemplary gentleman who has consistently upheld the highest of
standards in his personal and professional life and has served
his state and country with honor and distinction; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to W. E. "Pete" Snelson for his
exceptional service in the Texas Legislature and his many
contributions to his state and country and extend to him
congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of his 90th
birthday; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of Senator Snelson and as an expression of esteem from the
Texas Senate.
Whitmire
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 8, 2013.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate