H.R. No. 579
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Robert G. Packard of Waco, an esteemed educator and
a central figure in his community, passed away on January 5, 2019,
at the age of 94; and
WHEREAS, Born in Regina, New Mexico, on August 13, 1924,
Robert Packard graduated from Temple High School in 1943, and he
served with the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II;
following his military tenure, he earned bachelor of science,
master of arts, and doctoral degrees in physics from The University
of Texas at Austin, and in 1952, he was named an associate professor
of physics at Baylor University; he met his future wife, the former
Joyce Hornaday, on the Waco campus, and the couple, who married on
April 15, 1954, went on to share a rewarding union of 64 years; and
WHEREAS, Enjoying a distinguished career at Baylor spanning
nearly six decades, Dr. Packard received the highest honor granted
to the university's faculty members, a master teacher designation,
and his classroom in the Marrs McLean Science Building was renamed
the Robert G. Packard Lecture Hall; renowned for his popular
introductory physics course, this beloved professor returned in
2009 to teach the class for one semester after having retired in
2002; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Packard achieved professor emeritus of physics
status and was the recipient of the university's W. R. White
Meritorious, Collins Outstanding Professor, and Baylor Legacy
Mentor Awards, among others; he was also named an Outstanding
Educator of America, and the Robert G. and Joyce Hornaday Packard
Endowed Scholars Fund was established in honor of Dr. Packard and
his wife, a former assistant dean of women at Baylor; moreover, he
worked tirelessly in behalf of his fellow citizens, holding
numerous volunteer leadership roles; and
WHEREAS, Robert Packard earned the admiration of all who knew
him, inspiring generations of students with his creative teaching
methods, and he leaves behind a legacy that will resonate at Baylor
University and in the Waco community for years to come; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Robert G. Packard
and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his family: to his
wife, Joyce Packard; to his brothers, Charles, Wayne, and
I. B. Packard; to his nieces and nephews; 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Robert
Packard.
Leach
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 579 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 13, 2019.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House