TITLE: In memory of Rex H. White Jr.

SUMMARY: In memory of Rex H. White Jr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Rex H. White Jr., who died April 4, 2021, at the age of 88; and WHEREAS, Rex White was a legendary attorney and a dedicated public servant who used his vast knowledge of the oil and gas industry to help create an atmosphere in which Texas could reap the benefits of energy exploration and production while protecting and maintaining property rights; and WHEREAS, Rex White was born on September 27, 1932, in Houston; he graduated from Garland High School and earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in geology from The University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, He worked for seven years as a petroleum geologist and geophysicist with Mobil Oil Corporation and then served as an independent consulting petroleum geologist; he returned to school, and he earned a degree from The University of Texas School of Law in 1967; he entered public service as an assistant attorney general for the State of Texas, and in 1976, he took a newly created position as special counsel to the Railroad Commission of Texas; and WHEREAS, He entered the private practice of law in 1979 and worked for several firms, notably as resident partner in the Austin office of the Washington, D.C., firm of O'Neill and Haase; he established his own successful firm in 1998; and WHEREAS, Through the years, he maintained friendships and working relationships with a wide range of prominent figures in the legal field and state government; he served with a variety of professional organizations, including the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, and the National Petroleum Council; and WHEREAS, Mr. White was particularly interested in property rights, and he drafted and promoted multiple legislative amendments during sessions of the Texas Legislature to secure eminent domain reforms in Texas; and WHEREAS, He was a man of courage, integrity, and wisdom and was devoted to his family, his profession, and the State of Texas, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Rex H. White Jr.; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Rex White. Eckhardt President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 31, 2021, by a rising vote.