HCR28 - In memory of Autry Carl Stephens.

      H.C.R. No. 28       HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, Autry Carl Stephens, a giant of the Permian Basin's   oil and gas industry, passed away on August 16, 2024, at the age of   86, bringing a great loss to his family and many friends; and          WHEREAS, The son of Martin Elmore Stephens and Lila "Hazel"   Stephens, Autry Stephens was born in De Leon on March 8, 1938; he   grew up on the family farm and earned both his bachelor's and   master's degrees in petroleum engineering from The University of   Texas at Austin; during his early years with Humble Oil, he was   granted a leave of absence to serve in the U.S. Army Corps of   Engineers and rose to the rank of first lieutenant; he went on to   join First National Bank of Midland as a petroleum engineer and loan   officer before becoming a consultant and then an independent oil   producer; and          WHEREAS, Mr. Stephens established Endeavor Energy Resources   in 2000, and his diligence, determination, and willingness to take   bold risks built the company into a multibillion dollar enterprise   ranked among the nation's largest private oil producers; dedicated   to his employees, he was a caring, generous mentor and celebrated   all their achievements; he believed in handshake deals and enjoyed   the camaraderie of his profession, especially over a cup of coffee   at the Petroleum Club of Midland; under his leadership, Endeavor   engaged in extensive philanthropy, helping fund a new volunteer   fire station in eastern Midland County and supporting such   organizations as Habitat for Humanity and the Museum of the   Southwest; moreover, the firm became a founding member of the   Permian Strategic Partnership, a group of energy companies united   in the goal of improving education, health care, housing,   infrastructure, and workforce development; his myriad accolades   included a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Texas Exes and the   prestigious Top Hand Award from the Permian Basin Petroleum   Association; and          WHEREAS, Above all, Mr. Stephens was devoted to his wife,   Linda, and their children, Joe and Lyndal; he eventually knew the   joy of welcoming two grandchildren into his treasured family, and   he delighted in hearing and sharing stories about all their antics   and accomplishments; and          WHEREAS, Autry Stephens created a legacy that will resonate   in the Permian Basin for years to come, and those he left behind   will cherish their memories of his warmth, kindness, courage, and   wonderfully dry sense of humor; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby pay tribute to the life of Autry Carl Stephens and extend   sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Linda   Nagy Stephens; to his children, Joseph Stephens and his wife,   Deanna, and Lyndal Stephens Greth and her husband, Richard; to his   grandchildren; to his sister, Debra, and her husband, Jack; and to   his many 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 House of   Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of   Autry Stephens.     Craddick       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.C.R. No. 28 was unanimously adopted by a   rising vote of the House on March 10, 2025.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.C.R. No. 28 was unanimously adopted by a   rising vote of the Senate on March 19, 2025.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate      APPROVED: __________________                   Date                       __________________                 Governor