SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 612
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in
	recognizing the Honorable W. E. "Pete" Snelson, former senator
	and Dean of the Senate, on the grand occasion of his 90th
	birthday, March 28, 2013; and
	WHEREAS, Wallace Eugene Snelson was born on March 28, 1923,
	in the ranching community of Grandfalls; the sixth of seven
	children, he was known as "Sweetie" as a young child; when, at the
	age of five, he was sent to the local barbershop for a haircut and
	would not tell the new barber his name, the barber took matters
	into his own hands and gave him the name Pete, by which he has
	been known ever since; Pete Snelson went on to graduate at the age
	of 15 as salutatorian of his Grandfalls-Royalty High School class
	and to later become one of the most distinguished members of the
	Texas Senate; and
	WHEREAS, Shortly after his 20th birthday, Pete Snelson
	joined the United States Army, and he served his country during
	World War II in the European theater; he was wounded in the early
	days of the Alsace Campaign, received a Bronze Star for his
	courageous service, and was selected to serve as a special agent
	of the Counter Intelligence Corps; and
	WHEREAS, Pete Snelson graduated from The University of
	Texas at El Paso, earned a master's degree from Northwestern
	University, and served as a teacher at high school and university
	levels; he became a highly respected community leader in Midland
	and was active in numerous civic organizations; he was noted for
	his outstanding service as president of the Texas Jaycees; and
	WHEREAS, He was elected to the Texas House of
	Representatives in 1960 and to the Texas Senate in 1964; he
	served with distinction in the Senate for 16 years and was the
	longtime senator for District 25, which then included 35 counties
	and was the largest state senate district in the country; during
	his tenure, Senator Snelson served as chairman of the Education
	Committee and was a longtime member of the Legislative Budget
	Board and the Senate Finance Committee; he served as president
	pro tempore in 1971 and 1972; he was serving as Dean of the Senate
	when he retired from the legislature in 1983; and
	WHEREAS, While serving in the Senate, he earned the
	widespread admiration and highest regard of his colleagues; he
	was an insightful politician and an effective lawmaker who was
	respected for his good judgment and solid leadership; Senator
	Snelson later became an independent legislative consultant in
	Austin and handled legislative affairs for the Texas Association
	of Community Schools; and
	WHEREAS, Senator Snelson is devoted to his family and has
	been noted throughout his life for his unquestionable integrity
	and his dedication to his work as a public servant; he is an
	exemplary gentleman who has consistently upheld the highest of
	standards in his personal and professional life and has served
	his state and country with honor and distinction; now, therefore,
	be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
	Legislature, hereby pay tribute to W. E. "Pete" Snelson for his
	exceptional service in the Texas Legislature and his many
	contributions to his state and country and extend to him
	congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of his 90th
	birthday; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
	honor of Senator Snelson and as an expression of esteem from the
	Texas Senate.
	Whitmire
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on April 8, 2013.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate