TITLE: In memory of Fred S. Akers.

SUMMARY: In memory of Fred S. Akers.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Fred S. Akers, who died December 7, 2020, at the age of 82; and WHEREAS, Fred Akers was born on March 17, 1938, in Blytheville, Arkansas; he attended the University of Arkansas, where he played football, and he began a distinguished career in coaching by serving as a Texas high school football coach in Port Arthur, Edinburg, and Lubbock; and WHEREAS, He joined Darrell Royal's staff at The University of Texas in 1966 and served as an assistant coach and as a co-offensive coordinator before becoming the head coach at the University of Wyoming, where he led the Cowboys to a berth in the 1976 Fiesta Bowl; and WHEREAS, He returned to Austin in 1977 to fill the position of head coach at The University of Texas after the retirement of Darrell Royal; his first Longhorn team, featuring Earl Campbell, went undefeated in the regular season and won the Southwest Conference championship; over the next decade, his teams went on to finish four seasons in the nation's top ten and to receive bowl invitations in nine consecutive seasons; and WHEREAS, After his tenure at The University of Texas, he took on the challenge of a struggling program at Purdue University, where he coached for four years before retiring from coaching and becoming a motivational speaker; he received multiple awards and honors over the course of his life, including induction into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, He and his beloved wife of 59 years, Diane Akers, were blessed with three children, Lesli Akers, Stacey Delmonico, and the late Danny Akers; his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren were a source of much pride and joy for him; and WHEREAS, Fred Akers was a man of deep Christian faith and was known for his integrity, kindness, and generous spirit; he was a source of strength to others, and he was beloved and respected by all who were privileged to share in his life; 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, 87th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Fred S. Akers; 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 Fred Akers. Eckhardt President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 9, 2021, by a rising vote.