MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Read, Scott, Arnold, Bell (21st), Bennett, Boyd (19th), Carpenter, Clark, Cockerham, Currie, Eure, Guice, Haney, Harness, Hines, Holloway (76th), Hood, Horan, Johnson, Kinkade, Ladner, Morgan, Pigott, Roberson, Steverson, Tullos, Turner, Watson, Zuber
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE ESTEEMED AND LAUDABLE LEGISLATIVE CAREER AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE MOST HONORABLE, DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM TAYLORSVILLE, FORMER REPRESENTATIVE BLAINE H. "BO" EATON II.
WHEREAS, the honorable and distinguished Gentleman from Taylorsville, Representative Blaine H. "Bo" Eaton II, concluded a remarkable and impactful tenure as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, having faithfully served the citizens of House District 79 from 1996 through 2016, marking 20 years of dedicated and exemplary legislative service in the hallowed halls of the Mississippi State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Representative Eaton, a native of Taylorsville, Mississippi, is son of the late, Mr. E. Howard Eaton, and Mrs. Jimmie King Eaton, a proud graduate of Taylorsville High School, Jones Junior College and Mississippi State University, and a product of the strong values instilled within his community, which laid the foundation for a lifetime of service, leadership and commitment to the advancement of his fellow Mississippians; and
WHEREAS, he has long been recognized as a devoted public servant, businessman and community leader, whose professional and civic endeavors were rooted in a steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for the citizens of his district and this great state; and
WHEREAS, prior to and during his legislative service, Representative Eaton distinguished himself as a successful businessman and leader within the forestry and logging industry, working as a logger and farmer, and earning respect throughout his profession for his work ethic, integrity and deep understanding of Mississippi's agricultural and natural resource economy; and
WHEREAS, upon his election to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1995 and his subsequent swearing-in in 1996, Representative Eaton embraced the solemn responsibility of public office with purpose and resolve, diligently advocating for legislation, policies and initiatives that would enhance economic opportunity, protect natural resources and strengthen rural communities across the State of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, throughout his distinguished tenure, Representative Eaton served with exceptional leadership as Chairman of the House of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee, before being tapped as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, where he was instrumental in shaping policies that supported Mississippi's agricultural industry, forestry management and conservation efforts, while also fostering innovation and sustainability within one of the state's most vital economic sectors, in addition to serving on the following committees: Apportionment and Elections; Appropriations; Conservation and Water Resources; Game and Fish; Labor; Oil, Gas and Other Minerals; Public Health and Human Services; Public Utilities; Select Committee on Fiscal Stability; Transportation; and Ways and Means, where his thoughtful insight and practical experience provided invaluable contributions to the legislative process; and
WHEREAS, Representative Eaton played a significant role in advancing major economic development initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the State of Mississippi, including his support of landmark legislation and projects such as reforestation efforts, which culminated with the establishment of the Reforestation Tax Credit, the recruitment of major manufacturing investments, including the Nissan automotive project, and the advancement of the Mississippi Investment Act, the transformative Mississippi Adequate Education Program and Vision 21, which expanded Mississippi's four-lane highway system, all of which have contributed to job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity for the state; and
WHEREAS, beyond his legislative accomplishments, Representative Eaton remained steadfast in his commitment to his district, consistently engaging with his constituents, understanding their needs and serving as a trusted voice for the people of Smith, Jasper, Jones and Covington Counties, ensuring that their concerns were represented with clarity and conviction; and
WHEREAS, his service to the State of Mississippi was further complemented by his involvement in civic, agricultural and community organizations, including his affiliation with the Lions Club, the Mississippi Cattlemen's Association, as a Scottish Rite Mason and other community-based initiatives, through which he worked to promote the interests of agriculture, business and rural development; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure, Representative Eaton earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his steady leadership, practical wisdom and unwavering dedication to the institution of the Legislature, consistently conducting himself with honor, humility and a spirit of cooperation that transcended differences for the greater good of the state; and
WHEREAS, the members of the House of Representatives will forever cherish the bond and shared commitment to public service forged with Representative Eaton over the course of his two decades of service, recognizing that his contributions have left an indelible mark upon this body and the State of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, throughout his years of public service, Representative Eaton was supported and sustained by the unwavering love and encouragement of his family, whose sacrifices and steadfast presence allowed him to fulfill the demanding responsibilities of legislative service while remaining grounded in faith, family and community, including his wife Susanne, and their three children, Tripp, Allie and Ford; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the indelible legacy of remarkable service of our colleagues and friends who have devoted their lives to advancing the interests of the State of Mississippi and improving the lives of its citizens:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the esteemed and laudable legislative career and public service of the most honorable, distinguished Gentleman from Taylorsville, Representative Blaine H. "Bo" Eaton II, and express fondest respect and deepest appreciation for his two decades of faithful service, extending best wishes for continued success, health and happiness in all his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to former Representative Blaine H. "Bo" Eaton II and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.