TITLE: In memory of Benjamin Rowe Byers.

SUMMARY: In memory of Benjamin Rowe Byers.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Benjamin Rowe Byers, who died June 26, 2013, at the age of 76; and WHEREAS, Rowe Byers was born November 7, 1936, in Austin, Texas, to Pauline Byers and the Reverend Andrew Byers; he was a direct descendant of Reuben Hornsby, a pioneering Texan who in 1832 established one of the earliest settlements in what later became Travis County; Rowe grew up in various communities across the state, and in 1954, he graduated from Alice High School; and WHEREAS, He earned a bachelor's degree in zoology from The University of Texas at Austin and went on to earn a master's degree and a doctoral degree in microbiology; after a one-year fellowship at the university, he joined the faculty at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, where he became a tenured professor and a highly respected research scientist; and WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Dr. Byers was the recipient of several awards and grants, and he served as a member of the national council of the American Society for Microbiology; he was the author of numerous articles in scholarly journals, notably on the subject of iron metabolism in bacteria; he served as editor of a book on the development of new drugs to treat tuberculosis; and WHEREAS, He remained true to his Texas roots and took great pride in flying the Texas flag over his home and in preserving the remainder of the historic Hornsby Bend Ranch, which had been founded by his ancestors and passed down to family members; and WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he gave generously to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten; and WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and countless friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Benjamin Rowe Byers; 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 Benjamin Rowe Byers. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 17, 2013, by a rising vote.