SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 915 In Memory of Howard Newton Richards WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Howard Newton Richards, who died April 27, 2015, at the age of 81; and WHEREAS, Howard Richards was born April 3, 1934, in Brownsville, to C. K. Richards and Dorothy Wilson Richards; he graduated from San Angelo High School in 1952 and earned his bachelor's degree and a law degree from The University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of the Texas Cowboys and Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity; and WHEREAS, He was married to the late Katherine Ross for 18 years; he married Janis Barr Southerland in 1984, and the couple spent more than 30 years together; his children, Pamela and Kent, and his grandchildren, Katherine, Parker, Elizabeth, and Evan, were a source of much pride and joy for him; and WHEREAS, Mr. Richards enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in the practice of law in both Beaumont and Austin; he also held several important positions on the staff of Governor Dolph Briscoe, including that of legislative liaison to the 63rd and 64th Texas Legislatures, as well as that of liaison to the Constitutional Convention; and WHEREAS, He had a lifelong passion for The University of Texas, and he served on The University of Texas System Board of Regents from 1979 through 1985; he was also a member of the Men's Athletic Council, the Texas Marine Science Advisory Council, the Center for American History Advisory Council, and the Chancellor's Council; and WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he gave unselfishly to others; he will be long remembered for his independent spirit and dignity and for his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest; 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, 84th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Howard Newton Richards; 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 Howard Richards. 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