HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 69
(By Delegates Douglas, Pino and Perry)
[Introduced April 6, 2001]
Memorializing and celebrating the life of Earl Maxwell Vickers,
public servant extraordinaire, Navy veteran, FBI agent,
lawyer, legislator, legislative services pioneer, church and
civic leader, devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Whereas, Earl M. Vickers of Montgomery, Fayette County, was
born April 30, 1923, the son of Charles and Helen Vickers. He was
educated in the public schools of Montgomery and attended West
Virginia Institute of Technology, the University of Richmond and
Washington and Lee University where he received his law degree; and
Whereas, Mr. Vickers served his country as an officer of the
United States Navy in World War II and as a special agent for the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and
Whereas, On June 28, 1947, Mr. Vickers married his lifelong
love, Betty with whom he shared the joy of four children: Henry,
Montgomery, Frank and Helen Ann and five grandchildren: Aaron,
Amber, Skyler, Canilee and Peyton; and
Whereas, He was elected to the House of Delegates from Fayette
County in 1960, 1962 and 1964 and served as Majority Leader in
1965; and
Whereas, In July 1965, he resigned from the House of Delegates
to assume the duties as Director of the newly created office of
Legislative Services. He served in that office until his
retirement from public service on April 16, 1993. During his long
tenure he pioneered in providing professional staff services for
the Legislature. In the early 1970's, he instituted computer based
bill drafting making West Virginia one of the first states to use
this modern technology which is now considered indispensable. He
formed the first permanent bill drafting services for all members.
He helped establish the current internship programs and these and
his summer law school internship program produced many future
legislators and other persons who became prominent in their
professions. He could be a tough taskmaster as he led his
employees to seek perfection in the performance of their duties,
but never asked more from them than he sought from himself.
Coupled with these demanding standards, however, was a great warmth
and humanity. He was always available to lend words of insightful
advice or comfort in difficult times, a sort of velvet hand in an iron glove. Mr. Vickers was also renown for his quick and wry wit.
He could break the tension of an important meeting with a clever
remark enjoyed by all. He was a man of unquestionable integrity,
honesty, and high morals who treated all persons from governors to
janitors with politeness and respect and who himself was well
respected by all who served in state government and by his
colleagues in other states. Despite his many health problems, he
never complained about his condition and kept in high spirits. Mr.
Vickers truly exemplified public service of the highest and most
honorable level; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby memorializes and celebrates the
life of Earl Maxwell Vickers and gratefully acknowledges his long
dedicated, and distinguished career as a consummate exemplar of
public service to his country and his beloved State; and, be it
Further Resolved That the Clerk of the House of Delegates is
hereby directed to prepare copies of this resolution for his wife
Betty and his four children.