SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 53
In Memory
of
Benjamin Rowe Byers
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Benjamin Rowe Byers, who died June 26,
2013, at the age of 76; and
WHEREAS, Rowe Byers was born November 7, 1936, in Austin,
Texas, to Pauline Byers and the Reverend Andrew Byers; he was a
direct descendant of Reuben Hornsby, a pioneering Texan who in
1832 established one of the earliest settlements in what later
became Travis County; Rowe grew up in various communities across
the state, and in 1954, he graduated from Alice High School; and
WHEREAS, He earned a bachelor's degree in zoology from
The University of Texas at Austin and went on to earn a master's
degree and a doctoral degree in microbiology; after a one-year
fellowship at the university, he joined the faculty at the
University of Mississippi School of Medicine, where he became
a tenured professor and a highly respected research scientist;
and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Dr. Byers was the
recipient of several awards and grants, and he served as a member
of the national council of the American Society for Microbiology;
he was the author of numerous articles in scholarly journals,
notably on the subject of iron metabolism in bacteria; he served
as editor of a book on the development of new drugs to treat
tuberculosis; and
WHEREAS, He remained true to his Texas roots and took great
pride in flying the Texas flag over his home and in preserving the
remainder of the historic Hornsby Bend Ranch, which had been
founded by his ancestors and passed down to family members; 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; and
WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and
grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured
forever by his family and countless friends; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby extend sincere
condolences to the bereaved family of Benjamin Rowe Byers; 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 Benjamin Rowe Byers.
Watson
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on July 17, 2013, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate