H.R. No. 21
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The passing of John W. Fainter Jr. of Austin on
August 29, 2020, at the age of 81, concluded a remarkable life of
service to his fellow Texans; and
WHEREAS, John Fainter was born to Ruth and John Wells Fainter
on April 20, 1939, in Pecos and was raised in Austin alongside his
brother, Robert; a proud alumnus of Austin High School, he
continued his education at The University of Texas at Austin, where
he earned both a bachelor of arts degree and a law degree; and
WHEREAS, Following his graduation, Mr. Fainter accepted a
position as an investigator with the State Securities Board,
embarking on a successful career in public service that would span
more than half a century; he subsequently served as first assistant
attorney general of Texas and as secretary of state, and he later
became the chief of staff for Governor Ann Richards; he also worked
with a regional investment firm and was president and CEO of the
Association of Electric Companies of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Fainter further benefited the State of Texas
through his leadership roles with the Public Safety Commission, the
Governor's Select Committee on Water Quality Standards for Colorado
River, and various other committees; moreover, he served on
numerous UT Austin boards and councils, earning the university's
Distinguished Alumnus Award as well as honorary membership with the
law school's Order of the Coif; admired for his keen insight and
quiet confidence, he acted as a mentor and advisor to countless
people through the years; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Fainter drew strength from
the rewarding marriage he shared with his wife, Susan, and he took
great pride in his three children, John, Mary, and Jenny; with the
passing years, he had the pleasure of seeing his family grow to
include seven grandchildren, Riley, Ryan, Wells, Doug, William,
Sarah, and Grace; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man and a dedicated public servant,
John Fainter leaves behind a legacy of good works that will long
resonate in the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of John W. Fainter Jr.
and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing; 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 John
Fainter.
Kuempel
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 21 was unanimously adopted by a rising
vote of the House on March 8, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House