MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Hill, Fillingane, Frazier, Montgomery, Jordan, Tindell, Gollott, Burton, Smith, Wiggins, Jackson (15th), Moran, Sojourner, Butler (38th), Chassaniol, Gandy, Jackson (32nd), Jolly, Lee, Polk, Turner, Ward
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER COLUMBIA MAYOR AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY MAURICE DANTIN AND EXTENDING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, Honorable Maurice Dantin (82), respected attorney, veteran, District Attorney for the Fifth Circuit Court District and Mayor of Columbia, Mississippi, passed away on January 10, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Maurice Dantin was a graduate of the University of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi School of Law. A proud Marine and beloved husband, father and grandfather, he was known extensively for his high integrity, outstanding leadership and charitable pursuits; and
WHEREAS, Maurice Dantin was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Columbia, where he taught Sunday School for 57 years. He served on numerous committees, and was a major leader for several mission trips, both domestically and internationally; and
WHEREAS, a prominent attorney, Maurice Dantin was an active member in local, state and national professional associations and civic activities. His accomplishments included: member of National Board of Governors of American Red Cross; National Coordinator of American Red Cross Disaster Volunteers; past Chairman, Mississippi Territory; American Red Cross; past District Governor of Lions International; first President and one of the founders of Pearl River Valley Development Association; past President of Marion County Chamber of Commerce; past President Mississippi Rivers and Harbors Association; first President and one of the founders of Marion County Historical Society; former Chairman of Marion County Economic Development District, and Chairman of the Marion County Railroad Authority; and
WHEREAS, Maurice Dantin remained active in the legal profession, serving as past President of the Marion County Bar Association, Partner of the Law Firm of Dantin & Dantin, and author of the Criminal Law Section of Mississippi Circuit Practice, published by the Mississippi Law Institute. He was selected as a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation, and also served as past President and Lifetime Honorary Member of the Mississippi Prosecutors Association; and
WHEREAS, his political career began when he was elected Mayor of Columbia at age 26. He also served as City Attorney and District Attorney of the Fifth Judicial District. Maurice Dantin was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Governor in 1975. He was also the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in 1978, an election won by Republican Thad Cochran; and
WHEREAS, Maurice Dantin was a Director for Citizens Bank of Columbia for many years. He also served as Vice President of the Tylertown Broadcasting Company and General Counsel of Crosby Land & Resources; and
WHEREAS, Maurice served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and retired as a Colonel. He was granted a Life Membership to the Marine Corps Reserve Association, Marine Corps Aviation, Marine Corps League and Military Officers Association of America. Maurice was also a member of Marine Corps Historical Association and contributor to the Marine Corps C&S Foundation. He served in the United States Marine Corps actively for two years and in the Reserves for 30 years; and
WHEREAS, throughout his lifetime, Maurice Dantin received countless awards and honors for his work, including: Eagle Scout with Bronze Palm; President of the University of Mississippi Student Body, 1951, Ole Miss Hall of Fame; President of the University of Mississippi Law School Student Body, 1954; Taylor Medal for Political Science; Business Manager, Mississippi Law Journal; member of the Moot Court Board; member of ODK Honorary Leadership Society; Torch Bearer, 1996 U.S. Olympic Relay; Edwin Dalstorm Distinguished Service Award, Columbia Lions Club; Melvin Jones Fellow for Dedicated Humanitarian Services, Lions Club International Foundation; Outstanding Young Man of Marion County, 1957 and 1963; and Outstanding Citizen of Marion County, 1975; and
WHEREAS, Maurice is preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Nell Dantin, and son, Forest M. Dantin. He leaves his wife of 62 years, Patty; daughters Mary Nell Livingston and Juliet Dantin; son John Dantin; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this dedicated attorney, veteran and public servant who leaves a legacy of service and leadership:
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 record of achievement and legacy of public service of former Columbia Mayor and District Attorney for the Fifth Circuit Court District Maurice Dantin and extend the sympathy of the Legislature to his surviving family on his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mr. Dantin, forwarded to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Columbia, Mississippi, forwarded to the Mississippi Bar Association and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.