House Resolution 16

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SELFLESSNESS OF WORLD WAR II VETERAN HOWARD DUER TO THE HURLEY COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, Howard Duer, a resident of Hurley, Mississippi, since 1954, has epitomized the model of citizenry in giving, commitment, zeal for life and community spirit at its best through his unwavering dedication to give back to his community and selfless devotion to that very cause; and

WHEREAS, born January 23, 1924, in Marquette, Michigan, Mr. Duer moved to Chatom, Alabama, at the age of 13 and began a career with civil service when he was 18, working at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile; and

WHEREAS, joining the Air Force after having worked on the base, Mr. Duer served in the Air Force until World War II ended, returning to Brookley until the beginning of the Korean War, when he was again deployed; and

WHEREAS, upon his second return to Brookley, Mr. Duer met his wife, Lavonia, and they were wed on November 27, 1954, moving to Hurley later that year; and

WHEREAS, a charter member of the East Central Volunteer Fire Department and also the county's ambulance service as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician, Mr. Duer retired from civil service in 1978, at which time he began working as a maintenance man at East Central School; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Duer worked diligently at East Central until his seventieth birthday, and remains active as a pillar of the community through his work and volunteerism with the Hurley Volunteer Fire Department, East Central High School, East Central Lower Elementary School, East Central Civic Association and Hurley Baptist Church where he has taught Sunday School for 43 years; and

WHEREAS, recently celebrating his eighty-first birthday, Mr. Duer's selfless service was recognized by the Jackson County Board of Supervisors for his commitment to service with a resolution to rename a portion of Mississippi Highway 614 in his honor; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to recognize the commendable service and contributions of such notable Mississippians as Mr. Duer, whose life of giving as a soldier and a citizen has benefited many individuals:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mr. Howard Duer for his unselfish humanitarian acts of kindness, tireless giving and unceasing devotion to his community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Howard Duer and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.