MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Reynolds, Thornton

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. GERALD H. DENLEY, EDITOR OF THE COFFEEVILLE COURIER AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mr. Gerald H. Denley, Editor of the Coffeeville Courier, departed this life on Sunday, October 24, 1999, causing great loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Denley, born in 1912, spent all his life in or near Coffeeville, Mississippi, and graduated from Coffeeville High School in 1929; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Denley's college education at Mississippi State was cut short by financial challenges and the depression in 1931; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Denley, a loyal patriot, fought in World War II in the Battle of the Bulge and other campaigns in Europe; and

WHEREAS, after returning from the war, Mr. Denley worked with his older brother, Sellers, to carry forward the family newspaper his father acquired in 1910; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Denley devoted the majority of his time to writing, editing, putting together and publishing the Coffeeville Courier; and

WHEREAS, an active member of his community, Mr. Denley was a former member of the Board of Aldermen of Coffeeville, a former deacon of the Coffeeville First Baptist Church and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Press Association; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Denley has been lovingly supported in all his endeavors by his wife, Eloise; his son, James; and two grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State of Mississippi to recognize outstanding Mississippians such as Mr. Gerald H. Denley for his dedication to the field of journalism and printing:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and accomplishments of Mr. Gerald H. Denley and extend our deepest sympathy to his family upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Gerald H. Denley and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.