(By Delegates Prezioso, Fantasia, Stewart, Burk, Love and Ryan)
H. R. 20--"Commemorating the passing of the Honorable Duane Southern, former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from Marion County, respected attorney and public servant."
Whereas , On the 23rd of February, 1993, the State of West Virginia suffered the loss of an outstanding citizen and public servant with the passing of Duane Southern; and
Whereas , Duane was born on August 14, 1948, in Clarksburg, Harrison County, West Virginia, the son of Maxine Windon Southern Smith and the late Arnett D. Southern; and
Whereas , On March 7, 1970, Duane married the former Toni Angeline, and he and Toni were the devoted parents of two children, Justin and Daisy; and
Whereas , Duane was educated at Fairmont State College and the West Virginia University College of Law; and
Whereas , Duane was first elected to the House of Delegates from Marion County in 1984 and reelected in 1986; and
Whereas , In addition to his public service, Duane was an active member of St. Luke's Catholic Church. He also dedicated much time, effort and expertise to various causes and was a member of numerous civic, social and public service organizations, including Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity; former member and past president, Marion County Bar Association; member, Monongalia County Bar Association; member, West Virginia Bar Association, board member, Fairmont State College Foundation; West Virginia Public Broadcasting; Software Valley; Monongalia Board of Education Council; Three Rivers Coal Festival and Project Mohawk; former director, 4-H Foundation, Opportunity Workshop, Fairmont General Hospital and the Marion County Chamberof Commerce; president pro tempore, Cheat Lake Rotary Club; past president, Fairmont Rotary Club, Fairmont Jaycees and Young Democrats of Marion County; member, West Virginia University Visiting Committee for Extension Services, State Department of Education Block Grant Commission and Region Six Council; and
Whereas , At the time of his death Duane was an attorney and partner with the law firm of Jackson and Kelly; and
Whereas , Duane Southern was a rare public servant who served with honesty, loyalty, kindness and dedication. Although dying at the young age of 44, through his years of public and private service, Duane Southern touched and enriched many lives, and those who had the opportunity to know and work with him were truly fortunate; and
Whereas , The State of West Virginia has lost a respected public servant; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the House of Delegates of the West Virginia Legislature hereby expresses its deepest regret at the passing of Duane Southern, and be it
Further Resolved , That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward copies of this resolution to Mrs. Toni A. Southern, his beloved wife, and to Justin Southern and Daisy Southern, his children.