In memory of Thomas Everett Spender.

89(R) SR 582 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 582

In Memory

of

Thomas Everett Spencer

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and

commemorates the life of Thomas Everett Spencer, who died

April 2, 2025, at the age of 68; and

WHEREAS, Born on July 17, 1956, in Poughkeepsie, New York,

Thomas Spencer was raised in Port Arthur, Texas, and later

settled in Austin; he earned a degree in history from The

University of Texas at Austin and embarked on a distinguished

career founded on a strong commitment to public service and a

thoughtful and conscientious approach to community

stewardship; and

WHEREAS, Tom Spencer began his employment with KLRU Public

Television in Austin in 1982, and he became noted for producing

award-winning programs that elevated public discourse and

highlighted the beauty of Texas life; over the course of his

career, his role as the longtime host of "Central Texas Gardener"

made him a beloved local figure and a treasured source of

knowledge, inspiration, and encouragement to generations of

viewers who saw in him both a teacher and a friend; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his work in television, Tom was a

familiar and comforting presence on the radio and hosted a

Saturday morning gardening show on KLBJ-AM for three decades; his

poetic reflections, evocative photography, and personal essays

on his website, "Soul of the Garden," revealed a spirit rooted

deeply in the natural rhythms of life; and

WHEREAS, A passionate environmentalist and civic leader,

Tom Spencer believed that tending the land was akin to tending

the soul, and his leadership in environmental and civic

organizations reflected that calling; he served with distinction

at TreeFolks, Interfaith Action of Central Texas, the National

Wildlife Federation, and I Live Here, I Give Here, and he

received a lifetime achievement award from TreeFolks in 2023; and

WHEREAS, Revered for his wisdom and gentle spirit,

Mr. Spencer carried himself with quiet strength and lived each

day with spiritual intention, open-hearted curiosity, and

reverence for beauty and truth; he was a beloved brother, a

trusted colleague, and a guiding light to many; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Spencer approached life with curiosity and

reverence, and he is remembered for his commitment to nature,

education, and community; though his passing brings great

sorrow, the life of Tom Spencer remains a blessing to all who knew

him, and his voice, his vision, and his enduring presence in the

spirit of Austin will endure for years to come; now, therefore,

be it

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

Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved

family of Thomas Everett Spencer; 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 Thomas Spencer.

Eckhardt

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on May 27, 2025, by a

rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate