SR689 - In memory of Douglas Mitchel Sapp of Longview.

        SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 689       In Memory   of   Douglas Sapp            WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the   passing of Douglas Mitchel Sapp of Longview on March 21, 2025, at   the age of 82; and          WHEREAS, Doug Sapp was born in Crestview, Florida, on   January 5, 1943; he married Lanette Sapp in the early 1980s, and   the couple shared a fulfilling union that spanned more than four   decades; he took great pride in their daughters, Sharon and   Reagan, and with the passing years, he had the pleasure of seeing   his treasured family grow to include 5 grandchildren and 11   great-grandchildren; and          WHEREAS, Mr. Sapp worked in the circulation departments of   newspapers in Florida, Beaumont, and Palestine, before moving   with his family to Longview and serving as circulation manager of   the Longview News-Journal ; and          WHEREAS, A man of strong faith, Mr. Sapp embraced a calling   to the "ministry of laughter" in 1972 and embarked on a joyful   53-year career as a clown and magician; he began by playing   Ronald McDonald for a local McDonald's franchise, and he later   adopted his favorite alias, Happy T. Clown; over the years, he   delighted generations of East Texans performing as Happy at   various community events, including the Great Pumpkin Roll, the   Longview Kite Festival, and the Wonderland of Lights in Marshall;   he frequently lent his services to nonprofits benefiting   children and individuals with disabilities, and he brought joy   and laughter to the lives of many of Longview's elderly residents   with regular performances at local nursing homes; and          WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Mr. Sapp volunteered   with Greater Longview Young Life, Buckner Children and Family   Services, and Camp Buckner, and he was a member of the Judson   Lions Club and the Fellowship of Christian Magicians; and          WHEREAS, Doug Sapp brightened the world for all who knew   him, and the citizens of Longview were fortunate indeed to count   him among their fellow residents; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Douglas Mitchel   Sapp 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 Doug Sapp.     Hughes                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on June 1, 2025, by a     rising vote.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate