In memory of Douglas Mitchel Sapp.

89(R) SR 689 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 689

In Memory

of

Douglas Sapp

WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the

passing of Douglas Mitchel Sapp of Longview on March 21, 2025, at

the age of 82; and

WHEREAS, Doug Sapp was born in Crestview, Florida, on

January 5, 1943; he married Lanette Sapp in the early 1980s, and

the couple shared a fulfilling union that spanned more than four

decades; he took great pride in their daughters, Sharon and

Reagan, and with the passing years, he had the pleasure of seeing

his treasured family grow to include 5 grandchildren and 11

great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sapp worked in the circulation departments of

newspapers in Florida, Beaumont, and Palestine, before moving

with his family to Longview and serving as circulation manager of

the
Longview News-Journal
; and

WHEREAS, A man of strong faith, Mr. Sapp embraced a calling

to the "ministry of laughter" in 1972 and embarked on a joyful

53-year career as a clown and magician; he began by playing

Ronald McDonald for a local McDonald's franchise, and he later

adopted his favorite alias, Happy T. Clown; over the years, he

delighted generations of East Texans performing as Happy at

various community events, including the Great Pumpkin Roll, the

Longview Kite Festival, and the Wonderland of Lights in Marshall;

he frequently lent his services to nonprofits benefiting

children and individuals with disabilities, and he brought joy

and laughter to the lives of many of Longview's elderly residents

with regular performances at local nursing homes; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Mr. Sapp volunteered

with Greater Longview Young Life, Buckner Children and Family

Services, and Camp Buckner, and he was a member of the Judson

Lions Club and the Fellowship of Christian Magicians; and

WHEREAS, Doug Sapp brightened the world for all who knew

him, and the citizens of Longview were fortunate indeed to count

him among their fellow residents; now, therefore, be it

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

Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Douglas Mitchel

Sapp and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing;

and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be

prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns

this day, it do so in memory of Doug Sapp.

Hughes

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on June 1, 2025, by a

rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate