Senate Concurrent Resolution 597

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF PROFESSIONAL FISHERMAN WAYNE MONK OF BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, Mr. Wayne Monk of Biloxi, Mississippi, an avid professional fisherman who won many fishing tournaments and rodeos on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, passed away on March 15, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Monk attended D'Iberville High School, and after high school, he entered the United States Marine Corps with his nephew, Mike Vereker; and

WHEREAS, Wayne has had a lifelong love of fishing and won many fishing rodeos. He was a member of the Gulf Coast Bass Masters and was a charter member of the Pride of the South Bass Masters and then the South Mississippi Association of Bass Clubs; and

WHEREAS, Wayne always dreamed of being a professional fisherman. He began to work toward his dream in the late 1970s by fishing in the American Anglers Association in both the Mississippi and Louisiana Divisions. He fished in the Red Man Tournament Trail and the Mid-South Bass Association (now known as the FLW sponsored by Wal-Mart). Wayne won the Mid-South Bass Association Classic at Kremer Marine in October 1991. Winning this Classic tournament garnered him sponsors and started his professional career; and

WHEREAS, later he joined "Mississippi Outdoors" in 1993 and became the Staff Pro and Co-Host for the show. Wayne lived and achieved his dream; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Monk was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald E. and Maybelle Monk; a sister, Betty Teague; and two brothers, Robert Emory and Joseph Anthony Monk; and

WHEREAS, he is survived by his wife, Dena Monk; his sisters, Marie Vereker, Mary Voyuvich, Eva Fountain and Elaine Lazenby; his brothers, William, Howard, Jimmy, Roy and Ronnie Monk; his godchild, David Lazenby, Jr.; and many special nieces and nephews, including his fishing buddy and nephew Michael Vereker; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this well-known member of the Mississippi Gulf Coast fishing community: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and career of professional fisherman Wayne Monk of Biloxi, Mississippi, and express to his surviving family the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mr. Monk and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.