TITLE: In memory of Diana Destine Sandefer Denman of San Antonio.

SUMMARY: In memory of Diana Destine Sandefer Denman of San Antonio.

FULL TEXT:
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