H.C.R. No. 33
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost a renowned educator and
distinguished leader on March 1, 2014, with the death of Dr. Barry
B. Thompson, chancellor emeritus of The Texas A&M University System
and president emeritus of Tarleton State University; and
WHEREAS, Born in Pecos on May 12, 1936, to Tommy and Louise
Thompson, this native Texan was raised in Kermit, and he graduated
from high school there; he earned an associate's degree in science
from Tarleton State in 1956 and a bachelor's degree in science from
Texas Tech University in 1958 before he began teaching in Andrews;
by age 25, he was a high school principal in the Dalhart Independent
School District, and he subsequently served as superintendent of
Post ISD and as assistant superintendent for Waco ISD; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Thompson received his master's degree from
Texas A&M University--Commerce and his doctoral degree from Texas
A&M University and began his career in higher education as a
professor at The University of Texas--Pan American; he held several
administrative positions at Texas A&M University--Commerce before
being appointed president of Tarleton State University in 1982; he
went on to serve West Texas A&M University as president, and his
leadership at both institutions was characterized by an emphasis on
increased funding and on increased enrollment, especially among
minority students; and
WHEREAS, Named chancellor of The Texas A&M University System
in 1994, Dr. Thompson combined system resources to form The Texas
A&M University System Health Science Center, and he worked to
develop strong partnerships between universities and the public
school system; he retired in 1999 but continued to teach doctoral
courses at Texas A&M University--Commerce and Tarleton State
University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Thompson was dedicated to civic as well as
professional organizations, and he was recognized with the 1996
Golden Deeds for Education award from the Texas Association of
School Administrators, the 1999 Mirabeau B. Lamar Medal for
outstanding leadership in higher education, and the 1999 Boy Scouts
of America Silver Beaver Award for his longtime service to the Boy
Scouts; additionally, the Barry B. Thompson Student Center on the
Tarleton State University campus was dedicated in his honor in
1996, and the Dr. Barry B. and Sandra Thompson scholarship fund was
established at that school; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Dr. Thompson enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, the former Sandra Sue Davison, whom he
married in 1955; he took great pride in their children, Karol, Kim,
Scott, and Bart, as well as in their seven grandchildren and four
great-grandchildren; a man of faith, he was a valued member of the
United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, The loss of Barry Thompson is keenly felt by the
numerous individuals he mentored through the years and by many
others whose lives he enriched, but his legacy of achievement and
service will continue to benefit this state for years to come; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Barry B. Thompson and extend
sincere condolences to his family: to his wife, Sandra Thompson; to
his daughters, Karol Wallace and Kim Fimbel and her husband,
Robert; to his sons, Scott Thompson and Bart Thompson and his wife,
Marie; to his grandchildren, Kate York and her husband, Drew, Sarah
Meyers and her husband, Tim, Andrew Fimbel and his wife, Chelsea,
Jill Wallace, and Rachel, Julia, and Kittie Thompson; to his
great-grandchildren, Emily and Reid York, Ella Meyers, and Riley
Fimbel; to his brother, Dan Thompson; and to his other relatives and
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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Dr. Barry B. Thompson.
Sheffield
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 33 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 12, 2015.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 33 was adopted by the Senate on
March 18, 2015, by a viva-voce vote.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor