House Resolution 65

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RETIRED COLONEL, FORMER REPRESENTATIVE AND LONGTIME DISTRICT ATTORNEY, FRANK ANDERSON CARLTON, JR., OF GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, United States Army Colonel (retired), former Mississippi Representative and District Attorney for the Fourth Circuit Court District, Frank Anderson Carlton, Jr., 74, of Greenville, Mississippi, departed this earthly life on Sunday, March 8, 2009, to enter into eternal rest with his Heavenly Father, bringing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, a man who lived many lives well, all at once, Mr. Carlton's life was punctuated by a love for his family, a love for his community and country, and a love for God, which he shared with others in unique ways; and

WHEREAS, born February 12, 1935, in Hollywood, California, to Hazel and Frank Anderson Carlton, he graduated valedictorian of his senior high school class from Jefferson Military College located in Washington, Mississippi, and it was during this same time that he lived with his aunt, the Honorable Zelma Price, while working as a teenager for the Mississippi Legislature in the post office during sessions; and

WHEREAS, it was during his work with the Mississippi Legislature that Frank first developed a love for the law, the legislative process and public service; and

WHEREAS, he attended the University of Southern Mississippi on a Golden Gloves boxing scholarship and was humbly proud of his Golden Gloves record, in addition to being a member and President of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity; the USM Student Government Association, serving as President of USM Student Body from 1956 to 1957; and was selected as the 1957 Outstanding Male Graduate, with a bachelor of arts degree in history; and

WHEREAS, Frank entered law school at the University of Mississippi in 1957, where he later served as president of the senior law class and achieved prominence by serving as the emcee of the "Murder Bowl" football game between the pharmacy school and law school before graduating in December 1960; and

WHEREAS, upon graduation from law school he returned to Greenville where he opened his private law office, serving as a member of the Washington County Bar Association, Mississippi Bar Association, the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Bar Association; and

WHEREAS, Frank Carlton and Frances Caillouet were married on his birthday, February 12, 1961, in Greenville, Mississippi, and two years later he made a successful bid for the Mississippi House of Representatives, serving from 1963 to 1972, during which time he was a leader on education issues helping to pass legislation critical to the funding for the Mississippi Public Broadcasting System; and

WHEREAS, his election to the Mississippi House of Representatives was the beginning of his public service, which lasted for the duration of his professional career, as a prosecutor from 1971 to 1975 as an Assistant District Attorney in Washington County, and his election in 1979 to the post of District Attorney for the Fourth Circuit Court District, that he held until his retirement in 2004; and

WHEREAS, he was an active member of the Mississippi Prosecutor's Association, serving as president, and mentoring his colleagues and was diligent in his continued support of the organization beyond retirement; and

WHEREAS, throughout his legislative and legal career, he had an active military career as a Special Forces Green Beret; most notably, as a founding member of the original Mississippi Army Guard SF "E" Company in Jackson, Mississippi; serving an extended time as an "A" Team Leader; and eventually rising to Commander of "C" Company in Columbus, Mississippi, before retiring from military service as "Colonel Carlton" in 1984; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to now stand on golden heavenly shores, the legacy of his memory will forever echo in the hearts and lives of his survivors: wife, Frances Caillouet Carlton; his children, Scott Carlton, Frank Carlton III and former Senator Neely Carlton; nine grandchildren; his aunt, Walter Lou McIlwain; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a remarkable individual as Mr. Carlton, and it is with sadness that we note the passing of this respected public servant and veteran who leaves a legacy of freedom and for a lifetime of selfless service, a grateful state thanks him:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and legacy of Retired United States Army Colonel, former member of the Mississippi House of Representatives and longtime District Attorney Frank Anderson Carlton, Jr., of Greenville, Mississippi, and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Frank Carlton, the Washington County Bar Association and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.