HR1129 - In memory of Diana Destine Sandefer Denman of San Antonio.

      H.R. No. 1129       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, Diana Destine Sandefer Denman, widely admired as   "the godmother of the Texas GOP," passed away on April 17, 2025, at   the age of 91; and          WHEREAS, The daughter of Gilbert and Inez Sandefer, the   former Diana Sandefer was born in Abilene on February 20, 1934; she   graduated from George Washington University and embarked on a   career as a model and actor; her equestrian skills won her parts in   Western movies, and while filming a commercial, she met her first   husband, Donald J. Dolen; they became the parents of a daughter,   Destine; following the untimely death of Mr. Dolen, she was   fortunate enough to find love a second time with Leroy G. Denman   Jr.; they married in 1972 and collaborated closely in ranching,   wildlife conservation, historical preservation, and philanthropy   until his death in 2015; and          WHEREAS, Mrs. Denman played a key role in making Texas a   Republican stronghold; having helped found the Young Conservatives   of Texas, she served for many years on its board of advisors; she   first voted for Ronald Reagan, when he ran for president of the   Screen Actors Guild, and sharing his commitment to victory in the   Cold War, she championed his rise to the presidency; during his   administration, she served in such roles as co-chair of the Peace   Corps, election observer, and member of the National Museum   Services Board; a mentor to countless younger conservatives, she   was instrumental in many successful campaigns; moreover, she was   very active in such influential organizations as the Center for   Security Policy and the Philadelphia Society, which presented her   with its highest honor, the Baron Award, in 2022; and          WHEREAS, Intensely patriotic, Mrs. Denman was a strong   supporter of the U.S. armed forces, serving on the board of visitors   of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation and on   the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, as well as   the U.S. Service Academy Nominations Board; her hospitality and   generosity toward local service members in the San Antonio area won   her recognition as a charter member of the Fort Sam Houston   Distinguished Quartermasters; in all her endeavors, she drew   strength from her Baptist faith; and          WHEREAS, Diana Denman gave freely of her time and talents to   benefit her community, state, and country, and her contributions   will continue to resonate for years to come; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Diana Destine   Sandefer Denman and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her   family: to her daughter, Destine Denman Holmgreen; to her   grandsons, Austin and Travis Holmgreen; and to her other relatives   and many friends; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be   prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of   Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Diana   Denman.     LaHood     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 1129 was unanimously adopted by a   rising vote of the House on May 23, 2025.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House