TITLE: Honoring the memory of W. E. Connell on his posthumous induction into the Petroleum Hall of Fame.

SUMMARY: Honoring the memory of W. E. Connell on his posthumous induction into the Petroleum Hall of Fame.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, W. E. Connell, a banker and pioneering figure in the early development of the Permian Basin's oil and gas business, is being posthumously inducted into the Petroleum Hall of Fame on April 10, 2025; and WHEREAS, Based at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland, the Petroleum Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the petroleum industry in the region; and WHEREAS, Born in Bell County in 1858, Wilson Edward Connell distinguished himself as a banker, cattleman, and property owner; he recognized the need for financial infrastructure in West Texas and in 1888 cofounded what would become the First National Bank of Midland; his efforts later expanded to Fort Worth, where he led the First National Bank of Fort Worth through critical periods such as the Great Depression; and WHEREAS, Often called the "Father of West Texas," Mr. Connell supported many early oil ventures, including the first well drilled in Ector County in 1926; he also served as vice president and a stockholder of the Dublin Oil Mills, treasurer of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, director of the Texas and Pacific Railway, and vice president of the Cicero Smith Lumber Company; when he passed away on May 5, 1936, he left his heirs more than 90,000 acres of undivided mineral ownership, further supporting the region's petroleum industry development; and WHEREAS, Admired for his vision, energy, and business acumen, W. E. Connell was a pioneering figure in the early development of the Permian Basin's oil and gas industry, and he is indeed a worthy addition to the Petroleum Hall of Fame; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby honor the memory of W. E. Connell on the occasion of his posthumous induction into the Petroleum Hall of Fame and pay tribute to his life and legacy. Craddick President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 42 was adopted by the House on March 10, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 42 was adopted by the Senate on March 19, 2025, by a viva-voce vote. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor