SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 25
 
 
  In Memory
  of
  Joe D. Clayton
 
         WHEREAS, The life of a distinguished jurist drew to a close
  with the passing of the Honorable Joe D. Clayton of Tyler on
  July 14, 2023, at the age of 84; and
         WHEREAS, The son of Melvin and Clementine Clayton, Joe
  Clayton was born in Bonham on November 21, 1938, and he grew up
  with the companionship of three brothers, Bernard, Gene, and
  John; in 1956, he graduated from Tulia High School, and he went on
  to receive his bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at
  Austin and his juris doctor degree from the UT School of Law; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Clayton worked as a partner and senior
  partner in various law firms in Tyler and Fredericksburg prior to
  embarking on his esteemed career in the judiciary, over the
  course of which he served as judge of the 241st District Court,
  the Smith County Court-at-Law in Tyler, and the Bullard Municipal
  Court, as well as a senior state district judge; furthermore, he
  held leadership roles within a number of professional
  organizations, including the Texas Center for the Judiciary, the
  State Bar of Texas, and the Texas Bar Foundation; and
         WHEREAS, Active in his community, Judge Clayton gave
  generously of his time and talents to numerous civic groups, such
  as the Bowie Chamber of Commerce, the East Texas Estate Planning
  Council, and the Tyler-Rose City Kiwanis Club; in his leisure
  hours, he enjoyed hunting and fishing; and
         WHEREAS, Above all else, Judge Clayton was devoted to his
  loved ones; he shared a rewarding marriage with his wife, Jan,
  that spanned five and a half decades until her passing in 2019,
  and he took great pride in their three children, Joe, James, and
  Catherine; with the passing years, he had the pleasure of
  welcoming into his treasured family three granddaughters,
  Ashley, Caroline, and Clementene; in all his endeavors, Judge
  Clayton was sustained by his strong faith, and he was a valued
  member of First Presbyterian Church in Tyler; and
         WHEREAS, Joe Clayton earned the respect and admiration of
  all who knew him, and he leaves behind a record of service that
  his family and friends can remember with pride; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
  Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
  of Judge Joe D. Clayton 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 Senate adjourns
  this day, it do so in memory of Joe Clayton.
 
  Hughes
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on October 19, 2023, by
    a rising vote.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate