MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Coleman (65th), Akins, Aldridge, Arinder, Bailey, Baker (74th), Baker (8th), Banks, Barnett, Beckett, Bentz, Blackmon, Bondurant, Bounds, Broomfield, Brown, Buck, Burnett, Calhoun, Capps, Carlton, Chism, Clark, Clarke, Coleman (29th), Compretta, Cummings, Davis, Dedeaux, Denny, Dickson, Eaton, Ellington, Ellis, Espy, Evans, Fillingane, Flaggs, Fleming, Formby, Franks, Fredericks, Frierson, Gadd, Gibbs, Green, Gregory, Guice, Gunn, Hamilton (109th), Hamilton (6th), Harrison, Hines, Holland, Holloway, Horne, Howell, Huddleston, Hudson, Ishee, Janus, Jennings, Johnson, Lott, Malone, Markham, Martinson, Masterson, Mayhall, Mayo, McBride, McCoy, Middleton, Miles, Mims, Moak, Montgomery, Moore, Morris, Moss, Myers, Nicholson, Parker, Patterson, Peranich, Perkins, Read, Reed, Reeves, Reynolds, Robinson (63rd), Robinson (84th), Rogers (14th), Rogers (61st), Rotenberry, Scott, Shows, Simpson, Smith (27th), Smith (39th), Smith (59th), Snowden, Staples, Stevens, Straughter, Stringer, Sullivan, Taylor, Thomas, Turner, Upshaw, Vince, Ward, Warren, Watson, Weathersby, Wells-Smith, Whittington, Woods, Young, Zuber

House Resolution 93

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OFFICER THOMAS DRUMANE CATCHINGS, SR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

     WHEREAS, Officer Thomas Drumane Catchings, Sr., born December 26, 1964, to the late Christabelle Pendleton Larry and Daniel Larry of Jackson, Mississippi, departed this earthly life on Thursday, March 17, 2005, in furtherance of serving and protecting the citizens of Jackson, causing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

     WHEREAS, a graduate of Murrah High School and JROTC Battalion Commander, who furthered his education at Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, Officer Catchings, known for his valued work ethic, went above and beyond the call of duty; and

     WHEREAS, a twelve-year veteran officer with the Jackson Police Department, his zeal for his duties in law enforcement was evidenced through his involvement on the Neighborhood Enforcement Team, as well as being a School Resource Officer with Capital City Alternative School; and

     WHEREAS, instrumental in the efforts of the Jackson Police Department's Annual Christmas Celebration to provide gifts for less fortunate children, Officer Catchings combined his love of law enforcement with his passion for riding motorcycles when in 2004 he joined the Motor Unit of the Jackson Police Department Traffic Division; and

     WHEREAS, having lost his life in the line of duty, Officer Catchings, a lifelong member of Pearl Street A.M.E. Church, a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend, will be sorely missed by those who experienced the depth of his love, commitment and compassion for life; and

     WHEREAS, the legacy of his memory will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of his survivors, including:  his wife, Yolanda Catchings; children, Temeka, Shameka, Crystal, Thomas, Jr., ZaChara and Jonathan; adopted father, Wardell Catchings; biological father, Daniel Larry; one sister, two brothers, a grandmother and a host of other relatives and friends; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence in such outstanding Mississippians as evidenced by the life and merits of Officer Catchings, whose gift to the City of Jackson and the State of Mississippi was the ultimate sacrifice of his life:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life, services and accomplishments of Officer Thomas Drumane Catchings, Sr., and express our 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 Officer Catchings and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps