H.C.R. No. 28
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Autry Carl Stephens, a giant of the Permian Basin's
oil and gas industry, passed away on August 16, 2024, at the age of
86, bringing a great loss to his family and many friends; and
WHEREAS, The son of Martin Elmore Stephens and Lila "Hazel"
Stephens, Autry Stephens was born in De Leon on March 8, 1938; he
grew up on the family farm and earned both his bachelor's and
master's degrees in petroleum engineering from The University of
Texas at Austin; during his early years with Humble Oil, he was
granted a leave of absence to serve in the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and rose to the rank of first lieutenant; he went on to
join First National Bank of Midland as a petroleum engineer and loan
officer before becoming a consultant and then an independent oil
producer; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stephens established Endeavor Energy Resources
in 2000, and his diligence, determination, and willingness to take
bold risks built the company into a multibillion dollar enterprise
ranked among the nation's largest private oil producers; dedicated
to his employees, he was a caring, generous mentor and celebrated
all their achievements; he believed in handshake deals and enjoyed
the camaraderie of his profession, especially over a cup of coffee
at the Petroleum Club of Midland; under his leadership, Endeavor
engaged in extensive philanthropy, helping fund a new volunteer
fire station in eastern Midland County and supporting such
organizations as Habitat for Humanity and the Museum of the
Southwest; moreover, the firm became a founding member of the
Permian Strategic Partnership, a group of energy companies united
in the goal of improving education, health care, housing,
infrastructure, and workforce development; his myriad accolades
included a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Texas Exes and the
prestigious Top Hand Award from the Permian Basin Petroleum
Association; and
WHEREAS, Above all, Mr. Stephens was devoted to his wife,
Linda, and their children, Joe and Lyndal; he eventually knew the
joy of welcoming two grandchildren into his treasured family, and
he delighted in hearing and sharing stories about all their antics
and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Autry Stephens created a legacy that will resonate
in the Permian Basin for years to come, and those he left behind
will cherish their memories of his warmth, kindness, courage, and
wonderfully dry sense of humor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the life of Autry Carl Stephens and extend
sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Linda
Nagy Stephens; to his children, Joseph Stephens and his wife,
Deanna, and Lyndal Stephens Greth and her husband, Richard; to his
grandchildren; to his sister, Debra, and her husband, Jack; and to
his many 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Autry Stephens.
Craddick
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 28 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 10, 2025.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 28 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the Senate on March 19, 2025.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor