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                                                                  H.R. No. 557



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost one of its towering figures 
with the passing of George Eastland Christian, Jr., of Austin, on 
November 27, 2002, at the age of 75; and
	WHEREAS, A former presidential press secretary and confidant 
and for over four decades a trusted advisor to state political 
leaders, Mr. Christian was born in Austin on January 1, 1927; after 
graduating from Austin High School in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. 
Marine Corps and saw duty in the Pacific theater and in Japan during 
the occupation; and
	WHEREAS, Upon his discharge from the military, Mr. Christian 
returned to Austin and earned a journalism degree from The 
University of Texas (UT); he subsequently spent seven years 
covering Texas state government for the International News Service; 
and
	WHEREAS, Noted for his ability and astute political judgment, 
he served as press secretary for Governors Price Daniel and John 
Connally before moving to Washington, D.C., to handle the same 
assignment for President Lyndon B. Johnson; holding the post of 
presidential press secretary from 1966 to 1969, during a difficult 
time in the nation's life, he won the respect of the White House 
press corps for his unshakable poise and civility; and
	WHEREAS, At the close of President Johnson's term of office, 
Mr. Christian returned to Austin and established a public 
relations, consulting, and lobbying firm, which he continued to 
operate until his passing; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to his professional work, he gave untold 
hours as vice chairman of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation, 
member and chairman of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), 
member of the Texas State Cemetery Committee, and member of the 
boards of the Headliners Foundation, McDonald Observatory, Texas 
A&M College of Medicine, and Scott and White Memorial Hospital; and
	WHEREAS, His many accolades included selection as a 
Distinguished Alumnus of UT Austin and as an Outstanding Alumnus of 
the UT College of Communication; he also received the Texas Award 
for Historical Preservation from the THC and the Harvey Penick 
Award from Caritas of Austin; in 1982, a centennial professorship 
in journalism was established in his name at UT Austin; and
	WHEREAS, Across the political spectrum, George Christian was 
deeply respected for his unfailing graciousness and kindness, as 
well as for his seasoned judgment and sage advice; an unassuming, 
friendly man with a booming laugh, he could enter the political fray 
with gusto and uncommon skill, and yet never allow rancor to taint 
the joust; eulogized as a "titan" on the Texas landscape, he 
embodied the best virtues of the politically engaged citizen, and 
he brought enormous honor to the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be 
it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature pay special tribute to the life of George Eastland 
Christian, Jr., and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his 
family: to his wife of 43 years, Jo Anne Christian; to his children 
and grandchildren; and to his other relatives and many friends; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House 
of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of George 
Eastland Christian, Jr.

                                                                          Delisi


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 557 was unanimously adopted by a 
rising vote of the House on April 8, 2003.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House