85R27182 JCD-D
By: Phelan H.R. No. 1965
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the
passing of Frank Dewayne Finchum of Orange on November 10, 2016, at
the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, The son of Frank Edward and Jessie L. Finchum,
Mr. Finchum was born on May 18, 1932, in Port Arthur and grew up
with the companionship of a sister, JoAnn; he excelled in sports
during his youth, and after graduating from Thomas Jefferson High
School in 1951, he received an athletic scholarship to The
University of Texas at Austin, where he played football for four
years and helped the Longhorns to victory in the 1953 Cotton Bowl;
and
WHEREAS, After receiving his degree, Mr. Finchum went to work
in the oil and gas services industry; he accepted a position as a
treating engineer with the Western Company and moved to Levelland
in 1955, then worked briefly at a small refining operation before
moving back home to Port Arthur; he ultimately put down roots in
Orange, where he embarked on a career with Orange Pulp and Paper,
later known as Equitable Bag Company, progressing from floor
supervisor to planning and production manager over the course of a
rewarding tenure that spanned 38 years; and
WHEREAS, In the late 1950s, this esteemed Texan answered his
nation's call and enlisted in the United States Army; he served a
tour of active duty with special services at Fort Lee, Virginia,
followed by seven years with the U.S. Army Reserve; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his local community, Mr. Finchum gave
generously of his time and talents to a number of civic and
volunteer organizations, including the boards of the Greater Orange
Area Chamber of Commerce, the Sunset Grove Country Club, and
Habitat for Humanity, for which he spearheaded an annual charity
golf tournament; in addition, he coached Little League football for
eight years, and he served as chair of the Orange County Republican
Party and as a member of the City of Orange Master Plan Committee;
sustained by a deep faith, he was also a longtime congregant at
First United Methodist Church in Orange; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Finchum was blessed with
the love and support of his wife, Nancy Jo, with whom he shared 61
cherished years of marriage; he was a devoted father to his two
sons, Tab and Frank, and to his daughter, Nan, and he took great
pride in his four grandchildren, Taylor, Ben, Annie, and Mark; and
WHEREAS, Although Frank Finchum's death has brought great
sorrow to those who loved him, his life was an inspiring example of
the good that one person can accomplish, and he will forever be
remembered with admiration and affection; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Frank Dewayne
Finchum and extend heartfelt sympathy to all who mourn his passing;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.