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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Robert G. Packard of Waco, an esteemed educator and |
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a central figure in his community, passed away on January 5, 2019, |
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at the age of 94; and |
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WHEREAS, Born in Regina, New Mexico, on August 13, 1924, |
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Robert Packard graduated from Temple High School in 1943, and he |
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served with the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II; |
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following his military tenure, he earned bachelor of science, |
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master of arts, and doctoral degrees in physics from The University |
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of Texas at Austin, and in 1952, he was named an associate professor |
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of physics at Baylor University; he met his future wife, the former |
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Joyce Hornaday, on the Waco campus, and the couple, who married on |
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April 15, 1954, went on to share a rewarding union of 64 years; and |
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WHEREAS, Enjoying a distinguished career at Baylor spanning |
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nearly six decades, Dr. Packard received the highest honor granted |
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to the university's faculty members, a master teacher designation, |
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and his classroom in the Marrs McLean Science Building was renamed |
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the Robert G. Packard Lecture Hall; renowned for his popular |
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introductory physics course, this beloved professor returned in |
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2009 to teach the class for one semester after having retired in |
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2002; and |
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WHEREAS, Dr. Packard achieved professor emeritus of physics |
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status and was the recipient of the university's W. R. White |
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Meritorious, Collins Outstanding Professor, and Baylor Legacy |
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Mentor Awards, among others; he was also named an Outstanding |
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Educator of America, and the Robert G. and Joyce Hornaday Packard |
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Endowed Scholars Fund was established in honor of Dr. Packard and |
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his wife, a former assistant dean of women at Baylor; moreover, he |
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worked tirelessly in behalf of his fellow citizens, holding |
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numerous volunteer leadership roles; and |
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WHEREAS, Robert Packard earned the admiration of all who knew |
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him, inspiring generations of students with his creative teaching |
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methods, and he leaves behind a legacy that will resonate at Baylor |
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University and in the Waco community for years to come; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Robert G. Packard |
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and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his family: to his |
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wife, Joyce Packard; to his brothers, Charles, Wayne, and |
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I. B. Packard; to his nieces and nephews; and to his other |
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relatives and friends; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of |
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Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Robert |
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Packard. |