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89(R) HR 1129 - Enrolled version - Bill Text
H.R. No. 1129
R E S O L U T I O N
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