H.R. No. 2698
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Family and friends will forever cherish their
memories of Claudette McInnis Thomas, who passed away on May 13,
2017, at the age of 75, and her husband, William John Thomas, who
passed away on September 7, 2012, at the age of 82; and
WHEREAS, During a rewarding marriage that spanned 45 years,
Billy and Claudette Thomas operated a successful cattle ranch north
of Raymondville, and they were valued parishioners of Our Lady of
Guadalupe Catholic Church; moreover, they shared in the joy of
raising two children, Mitch and Tonnyre, and doting on their five
grandchildren, Morgan, Lauren, Logan, Royse, and Claudette; and
WHEREAS, The former Claudette McInnis was born on May 22,
1941, in Brownwood to Claude and Lillie Mae McInnis; a graduate of
Texas Tech University, she went on to earn her master's degree in
journalism at Kansas State University and soon thereafter met her
future husband, Billy; Mrs. Thomas was active in the American
International Charolais Association and served for many years on
the board of the Willacy County Livestock Show; she also
volunteered her time on numerous other boards and committees; and
WHEREAS, Born in Brownsville on August 26, 1930, to Maria and
Harl Thomas, Billy Thomas attended school in Raymondville and
studied at Texas A & I University in Kingsville; active in several
agricultural organizations, he served the American International
Charolais Association as director and as a member of its executive
committee and the Pan American Zebu Association as president, and
he was also an enthusiastic supporter of Willacy County Youth in
Agriculture; and
WHEREAS, Respected members of their community and beloved
parents, grandparents, and friends, Billy and Claudette Thomas are
deeply missed, and they will always hold a treasured place in the
hearts of all those who held them dear; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Claudette McInnis
Thomas and William John Thomas and extend sincere sympathy to their
loved ones; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for their family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Claudette
and Billy Thomas.
Guillen
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2698 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 29, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House