Senate Concurrent Resolution 570

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER ASSOCIATE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION ELWYN WHEAT.

WHEREAS, Mr. Elwyn Wheat of Florence, Mississippi, military veteran and respected leader of Mississippi's vocational education program, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Elwyn was a distinguished military veteran, serving during times of peace and during times of conflict. He retired as Chief Warrant Officer 4 and was awarded the Magnolia Cross for his service in the Mississippi National Guard; and

WHEREAS, he was instrumental in the growth and maintenance of the services through his tireless efforts in training for Noncommissioned Officers and Specialist Schools; and

WHEREAS, Elwyn devoted his life to furthering education in Mississippi beginning in vehicle maintenance and culminating his career as Associate State Superintendent of Education in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, his efforts to advance education brought national recognition and made vocational education in Mississippi the example that other states have followed; and

WHEREAS, his focus was always on the students, influencing hundreds of thousands, giving them the opportunities to better their lives; and

WHEREAS, Elwyn's true love was his family, building both with his time spent with them and with his hands. Love and labor went into his home that he shared with his beloved Anita. He leaves behind a legacy to his children and his grandchild of fairness, hard work and undying loyalty. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Anita; two children, Phillip (Tess) and Pam (Eric) Smith; one precious grandchild, Kellyn Smith; two brothers, Harold and Jackie Wheat; and two sisters, Patricia Sauls and Neta Faye Smith; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of a respected Mississippi public servant, and for his selfless service we offer the thanks of a grateful state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the legacy of public service of former Associate State Superintendent of Vocational Education and Mississippi National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Elwyn Wheat of Florence, Mississippi, and extend to his surviving family our sympathy on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Elwyn Wheat, forwarded to the State Board of Education and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.