The resolution honors W. E. Connell, a significant figure in the early development of the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin, who will be posthumously inducted into the Petroleum Hall of Fame on April 10, 2025. Connell, born in 1858 in Bell County, was a banker, cattleman, and property owner who co-founded the First National Bank of Midland in 1888, recognizing the need for financial infrastructure in West Texas. He played a crucial role in the banking sector during challenging times, including the Great Depression, and supported early oil ventures, notably the first well drilled in Ector County in 1926.

Connell's contributions extended beyond banking; he held various leadership positions in organizations such as the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Texas and Pacific Railway. His legacy includes leaving over 90,000 acres of mineral rights to his heirs, further bolstering the region's petroleum industry. The resolution expresses the Texas Legislature's recognition of Connell's vision, energy, and business acumen, affirming his status as a pioneering figure in the Permian Basin's oil and gas development and honoring his memory through this induction.