TITLE: In memory of Robert C. Barton, Jr., of Hays County.

SUMMARY: In memory of Robert C. Barton, Jr., of Hays County.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Hays County in mourning the loss of Robert C. Barton, Jr., who died January 19, 2013, at the age of 82; and WHEREAS, Known across Central Texas for his booming voice and his passion for politics, the lifelong newspaper man and one-term Texas state representative was a tireless spokesman for the underdog; he was legendary for defending civil rights and championing minorities for elective office in Hays County, where he owned and operated several community papers over the course of five decades; and WHEREAS, Bob Barton was a staunch advocate of education for all, and he helped form the Hays Consolidated Independent School District and fought hard for desegregation; his political views occasionally met resistance and prompted at least one cross burning in his yard; and WHEREAS, Born April 5, 1930, into a line of pioneering Texans, Bob Barton grew up and attended school in Buda; he then joined the army and served during the Korean War; upon his return to Central Texas, he studied at what is now Texas State University in San Marcos; there, he and his wife, Wynette, opened the Colloquium Bookstore, which became a hotbed of conversation and political activity; and WHEREAS, Bob Barton loved words and letters and used them to rail against social injustice; he was an organizer for the Democratic Party throughout his life, and he voiced his views on the pages of his beloved newspapers, which included the Hays County Citizen and the Hays Free Press;and WHEREAS, A deeply committed family man, Bob Barton often claimed to have newspaper ink flowing through his veins, and that passion conveyed to his grandson Zach and daughter-in-law Cyndy, who worked alongside him at the Free Press;he will be remembered as the stuff of Texas folklore with a razor-sharp wit, a remarkably gentle spirit, and the gift of gab; and WHEREAS, A genuine public servant, and sometimes a voice in the wilderness, Bob Barton was both an iconoclast and an everyman; his warmth and wisdom will long be remembered, and he leaves behind memories that will be cherished forever by his family and friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Robert C. Barton, 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 Bob Barton. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 11, 2013, by a rising vote.