SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 374
In Memory
of
Clyde Dunnam
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close on
May 3, 2024, with the passing of Clyde Vance Dunnam of Waco at
the age of 94; and
WHEREAS, Born in Waco on November 6, 1929, Vance Dunnam
grew up in Speegleville and graduated from Waco High School; he
earned his bachelor's degree from Baylor University in 1951 and
his juris doctor degree from Baylor Law School the following
year; and
WHEREAS, After obtaining his admission to the bar and a
short stint working for a Houston oil company, Mr. Dunnam joined
his father and brother at Dunnam & Dunnam, LLP, where he worked
for seven decades; over the course of his career, he earned a
reputation as one of the most skilled and successful trial
attorneys in Central Texas; he served as a mentor to hundreds of
colleagues and further contributed to his professional community
as president of the McLennan County Junior Bar Association and
the Waco-McLennan County Bar Association; through the years, he
had the pleasure of practicing with a number of family members,
and he worked up until the last weeks of his life; and
WHEREAS, In 1952, Mr. Dunnam married Vicki Hohertz, and
they shared in the joy of raising three children, Vance, Cathy,
and Jim; after his wife's death in 1995, he found love again with
Merrilee Lafferty Harmon, whom he wed in 1997; with the passing
years, he delighted in watching his cherished family grow to
include numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Dunnam held
leadership positions in several organizations, including the
Scottish Rite, the York Rite, and the Karem Shrine as well as the
Waco Jaycees and the Knights of Pythias; he was also a man of
faith and a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, where he
taught Sunday school for many years; in his leisure time, he
enjoyed cattle and hay ranching, sailing, riding his motorcycle,
fly-fishing, beekeeping, hunting, and any time that he could
spend with his children and grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dunnam especially took pride in the history
and success of Dunnam & Dunnam, LLP, where he worked for most of
his career, even up until a few weeks before his passing, and he
truly loved the fact that he successfully instilled the same
pride in his children and grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dunnam could not have been more loyal to his
lifelong friends and employees, no matter their politics, race,
or religion; in addition, he also worked tirelessly to mend all
fences with those who might have become estranged; and
WHEREAS, Although Vance Dunnam is deeply missed, memories
of his wisdom, his sense of humor, and his generosity remain to
comfort and inspire those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Clyde Vance Dunnam
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
wife, Merrilee L. Harmon; to his children, Vance Dunnam Jr. and
his wife, Irma, Cathy Dunnam Pleitz and her husband, Dan, and Jim
Dunnam and his wife, Michelle; to his grandchildren, Vanessa,
Jennifer, Stephanie, Joshua, Jacob, Jordan, Lauren, Mason, and
Rachel; to his 12 great-grandchildren; 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 Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Vance Dunnam.
Gutierrez, Birdwell, Menéndez
______________________________
Member, Texas Senate
____________________________________________________________
Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate
______________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 8, 2025, by
a rising vote.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate