TITLE: In Memory of Robert C. Thornell, Sr.

SUMMARY: In Memory of Robert C. Thornell, Sr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Robert C. Thornell, Sr., who died April 16, 2011, at the age of 61; and WHEREAS, Mr. Thornell was a beloved and respected member of his community; fiercely loyal, steadfast, and generous, he set an example for all who knew him and left a legacy of honor and selfless dedication; throughout his life, he served as an inspiration to countless friends, colleagues, and fellow members of the armed forces; and WHEREAS, Robert Thornell was born October 9, 1949; he joined the United States Marine Corps when he was 18 years old and served in Vietnam from November of 1968 to December of 1969 with Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division; and WHEREAS, The Vietnam War had a profound effect on him; while in a relentless battle with the enemy in Quang Nam Province in February of 1969, he was wounded while trying to save the life of his best friend; he carried the memory of his friend with him for the rest of his life; and WHEREAS, The Marine Corps is noted for the loyalty that Marines share with one another and their devotion to their country; Robert Thornell exemplified that ideal and lived his life faithful to the Marine Corps motto, "Semper Fidelis"; he was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon; and WHEREAS, A patriotic American, a great Texan, a loving husband, and a devoted father and grandfather, Robert Thornell leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and his many friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Robert C. Thornell, Sr., and extend sincere condolences to his bereaved family: his wife, Sheridan; his children, Melissa, Carrie, Stacey, and Robert Thornell, Jr.; and his eight grandchildren; 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 Robert C. Thornell, Sr. Rodriguez Birdwell Harris Seliger Carona Hegar Shapiro Davis Hinojosa Uresti Deuell Huffman Van de Putte Duncan Jackson Watson Ellis Lucio Wentworth Eltife Nelson West Estes Nichols Whitmire Fraser Ogden Williams Gallegos Patrick Zaffirini Dewhurst, President of the Senate President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 25, 2011, by a rising vote.