H.R. No. 146
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of San Angelo lost a beloved community
leader with the passing of Byron E. Cleere on October 4, 2021, at
the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, Born in Alice on July 4, 1932, "Sonny" Cleere was the
youngest of four children born to Buford and Myrtle Cleere; a
standout in football and track at Alice High School, he earned a
scholarship to Abilene Christian University; as a Wildcat, he was
captain of the football team and anchored the offensive line as a
guard on a number of talented squads; among his many accolades, he
earned All-Conference and All-American honors; and
WHEREAS, In 1954, Mr. Cleere was drafted by the Chicago
Bears, but his career came to an end when he sustained injuries
during a hunting accident; he then coached and taught social
studies for a decade at Ozona High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cleere subsequently moved to San Angelo, where
he enjoyed a successful career as owner of the Meadows, Fisher &
Cleere Insurance company; highly respected in the community, he was
a founding member of the Back the Badge organization and was
instrumental in launching the July 4th Pops Concert and Fireworks
show and the annual San Angelo Support for Veterans Hunt; known for
his rich baritone, he served as the "voice of San Angelo" for 38
years as announcer at San Angelo Central High School football
games; in 2003, he was named the San Angelo Citizen of the Year by
the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Cleere benefited from the
love and support of his wife, the former Claudia Ketner, and he took
great pride in his four children, Kirk, Ned, Penny, and Courtney
Paige; with the passing years, his family grew to include eight
grandchildren, Jabyn, Jewel, Camille, Claire, Caroline, Sophia,
Victoria, and the late Byron Dixon Cleere; a man of deep faith, he
rose early each morning for Bible study, and he inspired others with
his integrity and generosity; and
WHEREAS, Sonny Cleere was a force for good in his community
and a dear friend to many, and he will forever be remembered with
deep admiration by all those who were fortunate enough to know him;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
of Byron E. Cleere and extend sincere condolences to the members of
his family: to his wife, Claudia Cleere; to his children, Kirk
Cleere and his wife, Patsy, Ned Munoz and his wife, Tammy, Penny
Cleere, and Courtney Paige Fajkus and her husband, Gregg; to his
grandchildren, Jabyn and Jewel Cleere, Camille, Claire, and
Caroline Fajkus, and Sophia and Victoria Munoz; to his sister,
Willodean Ellis; 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 Sonny
Cleere.
Darby
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 146 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on October 18, 2021.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House