In memory of Autry Carl Stephens.

89(R) HCR 28 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.C.R. No. 28

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Autry Carl Stephens, a giant of the Permian Basin's

oil and gas industry, passed away on August 16, 2024, at the age of

86, bringing a great loss to his family and many friends; and

WHEREAS, The son of Martin Elmore Stephens and Lila "Hazel"

Stephens, Autry Stephens was born in De Leon on March 8, 1938; he

grew up on the family farm and earned both his bachelor's and

master's degrees in petroleum engineering from The University of

Texas at Austin; during his early years with Humble Oil, he was

granted a leave of absence to serve in the U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers and rose to the rank of first lieutenant; he went on to

join First National Bank of Midland as a petroleum engineer and loan

officer before becoming a consultant and then an independent oil

producer; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Stephens established Endeavor Energy Resources

in 2000, and his diligence, determination, and willingness to take

bold risks built the company into a multibillion dollar enterprise

ranked among the nation's largest private oil producers; dedicated

to his employees, he was a caring, generous mentor and celebrated

all their achievements; he believed in handshake deals and enjoyed

the camaraderie of his profession, especially over a cup of coffee

at the Petroleum Club of Midland; under his leadership, Endeavor

engaged in extensive philanthropy, helping fund a new volunteer

fire station in eastern Midland County and supporting such

organizations as Habitat for Humanity and the Museum of the

Southwest; moreover, the firm became a founding member of the

Permian Strategic Partnership, a group of energy companies united

in the goal of improving education, health care, housing,

infrastructure, and workforce development; his myriad accolades

included a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Texas Exes and the

prestigious Top Hand Award from the Permian Basin Petroleum

Association; and

WHEREAS, Above all, Mr. Stephens was devoted to his wife,

Linda, and their children, Joe and Lyndal; he eventually knew the

joy of welcoming two grandchildren into his treasured family, and

he delighted in hearing and sharing stories about all their antics

and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Autry Stephens created a legacy that will resonate

in the Permian Basin for years to come, and those he left behind

will cherish their memories of his warmth, kindness, courage, and

wonderfully dry sense of humor; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas

hereby pay tribute to the life of Autry Carl Stephens and extend

sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Linda

Nagy Stephens; to his children, Joseph Stephens and his wife,

Deanna, and Lyndal Stephens Greth and her husband, Richard; to his

grandchildren; to his sister, Debra, and her husband, Jack; and to

his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of

Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of

Autry Stephens.

Craddick

______________________________

______________________________

President of the Senate

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.C.R. No. 28 was unanimously adopted by a

rising vote of the House on March 10, 2025.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House

I certify that H.C.R. No. 28 was unanimously adopted by a

rising vote of the Senate on March 19, 2025.

______________________________

Secretary of the Senate

APPROVED: __________________

Date

__________________

Governor