Bill Clements

Commission as Kentucky Colonel. Governors of several states periodically issue certificates. Texas governors issue a variety of such certificates, including "Admiral in the Texas Navy" and "Honorary Texan." They have also issued "Ambassadors of Goodwill" certificates to individuals and groups traveling abroad to represent the state and "Yellow Rose of Texas" certificates to women who were long ineligible for "Admiral in the Texas Navy." Mrs. Clements was also named a Kentucky Colonel on the same day Governor Clements received his certificate.

"Ding Dong Daddy" from Dumas Certificate. The records do not indicate that Governor Clements actually visited Dumas during his swing through the Texas Panhandle in March 1982, but nevertheless the president of the Dumas Chamber of Commerce gave him one of these certificates. "Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas" has been a popular song ever since it was written in 1930 by musician and band leader Phil Baxter (1896-1972) who was born in Navarro County, Texas. Bob Wills of Turkey, Texas was one of many who recorded the song. In more recent years Dumas, Arkansas has adopted the song for its Ding Dong Daddy Days annual celebrations.

Previous photo | Back to "Bill Clements"

Courtesy William P. Clements, Jr. Records, Cushing Library, Texas A&M University.