SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 914
In Memory
of
William B. Wilkerson
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of William B. Wilkerson,
who died April 30, 2015, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, Bill Wilkerson was born April 12, 1929, to James
and Alma Wilkerson; he became a second-generation newspaperman
at the young age of eight by serving as a printer's devil at the
Comanche Chief, where his father was publisher and owner; and
WHEREAS, He met Judith Blanton while a student at The
University of Texas at Austin, and they married in 1950; he
graduated the following year and joined the United States Air
Force, and he served with distinction at Floyd Bennett Field in
New York during the Korean Conflict; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wilkerson returned to Texas and served as
editor of the Comanche Chief for 18 years; in 1974, he and his
wife bought the Pleasanton Express, and under his watchful eye,
the paper became an award-winning publication; the couple
remained on as owners and publishers of the paper when they moved
to Austin in 1989; and
WHEREAS, Distinguished leaders in the newspaper business,
Mr. and Mrs. Wilkerson were the youngest members to join the
South Texas Press Association and over time, they became the
oldest couple to attend its conventions; Mr. Wilkerson also
served as a board member of the Texas Press Association for many
years; in Austin, he immersed himself in the local culture and
was an avid Longhorn fan; and
WHEREAS, Bill Wilkerson had a larger-than-life personality
and was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; he
was devoted to his wife and was known for his boundless
generosity and he will long be remembered with affection and
admiration by all who were privileged to share in his life; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of William B. Wilkerson; 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 Bill Wilkerson.
Watson
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 20, 2015, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate