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Regular Session, 2011
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 31
BY SENATOR THOMPSON
CONDOLENCES. Expresses condolences upon the death of Theo J. Coenen III.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the2
death of Theo J. Coenen III.3
WHEREAS, it is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the Legislature of4
Louisiana has learned of the passing of this distinguished attorney, counselor, public servant,5
and community leader, Theo J. Coenen III on April 24, 2011; and 6
WHEREAS, Theo J. Coenen III was known by his community and his7
contemporaries as a mentor, a friend, and a tremendous source of knowledge on a variety8
of issues; and9
WHEREAS, at age thirteen, Theo earned the coveted rank of Eagle Scout and10
embraced the principles of character and service to community and society instilled by the11
Boy Scouts of America which led to a long life of service; and12
WHEREAS, he began his life of serving his community as president of the Key Club13
at Rayville High School; served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 43, president of the14
NLU Alumni Association and played a significant role in the planning and construction of15
the Anna Gray Noe Alumni Center; was the organizer and president of Riverfield Day, an16
initial organizer of the Southern Picking and Grinning Festival; and was an organizer and17
president of the Original Rhymes Restoration Library Society; and18 SCR NO. 31
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WHEREAS, in 1964, Theo returned to Rayville, Louisiana, to join his father's law1
practice and in 1965 he also became the attorney for the Tensas Levee Board, serving in that2
capacity until 2009; and3
WHEREAS, he served as president of the Fifth District Bar Association, and4
provided legal assistance, counseling, and advice to clients throughout northeast Louisiana;5
and6
WHEREAS, Theo was a consummate leader, confidant, community organizer,7
benefactor, long time civic leader, and public servant, who freely and selflessly gave his8
time, talents and abilities to serve his fellow man for the betterment of his community and9
society, and though he was never elected to a public office, he freely served and devoted10
time to the organization, resolution, and completion of public and private projects throughout11
the community, region, and Louisiana; and12
WHEREAS, he is remembered for his tireless work ethic as a conscientious attorney13
and, as a vigorous advocate of every adopted cause, he lived by the principle that "a job14
worth doing was worth doing well"; and15
WHEREAS, he encouraged young men and women to continue their educational16
pursuits whenever possible and achieve their lifelong goals, regardless of any obstacles17
blocking their path, and convinced young minds that higher education was the key to18
opportunity in life and that hard work and diligence placed success within their grasp; and19
WHEREAS, he was a lifelong devout and contributing lay leader of the Sacred Heart20
Catholic Church of Rayville, Louisiana; he served as an altar boy, choir member, lay21
minister, and member of the Sacred Heart Mens Club; he was a member of the church Board22
of Trustees and was instrumental in the planning and building of Flynn Hall; he spearheaded23
the annual Sacred Heart Men's Club Bar-B-Q fundraiser; and Pope John Paul II appointed24
him as a Knight in the Order of Saint Gregory for the Shreveport Diocese of the Catholic25
Church; and26
WHEREAS, Theo was a loving, devoted, and dedicated husband of fifty years to his27
loving wife, Francis Mills Coenen, a cherished father, grandfather and committed brother,28
uncle, relative, and friend whose love of family was of utmost importance in his life; and29
WHEREAS, upon his death the world lost a unique individual who left an indelible30 SCR NO. 31
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mark upon his community and the lives of all those who knew him.1
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana acknowledges2
a lifetime of achievement and service and does hereby extend condolences to the family,3
friends, and colleagues of Theo Coenen III.4
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to his5
wife, Frances Mills Coenen.6
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Tammy Crain Waldrop.
DIGEST
Thompson SCR No.
Expresses condolences upon the death of Theo J. Coenen III.