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Regular Session, 2011 ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 31
BY SENATOR THOMPSON
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of Theo J. Coenen III.
WHEREAS, it is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the Legislature of
Louisiana has learned of the passing of this distinguished attorney, counselor, public servant,
and community leader, Theo J. Coenen III on April 24, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Theo J. Coenen III was known by his community and his
contemporaries as a mentor, a friend, and a tremendous source of knowledge on a variety
of issues; and
WHEREAS, at age thirteen, Theo earned the coveted rank of Eagle Scout and
embraced the principles of character and service to community and society instilled by the
Boy Scouts of America which led to a long life of service; and
WHEREAS, he began his life of serving his community as president of the Key Club
at Rayville High School; served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 43, president of the
NLU Alumni Association and played a significant role in the planning and construction of
the Anna Gray Noe Alumni Center; was the organizer and president of Riverfield Day, an
initial organizer of the Southern Picking and Grinning Festival; and was an organizer and
president of the Original Rhymes Restoration Library Society; and
WHEREAS, in 1964, Theo returned to Rayville, Louisiana, to join his father's law
practice and in 1965 he also became the attorney for the Tensas Levee Board, serving in that
capacity until 2009; and
WHEREAS, he served as president of the Fifth District Bar Association, and
provided legal assistance, counseling, and advice to clients throughout northeast Louisiana;
and
WHEREAS, Theo was a consummate leader, confidant, community organizer,
benefactor, long time civic leader, and public servant, who freely and selflessly gave his
time, talents and abilities to serve his fellow man for the betterment of his community and
society, and though he was never elected to a public office, he freely served and devoted SCR NO. 31 ENROLLED
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time to the organization, resolution, and completion of public and private projects throughout
the community, region, and Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, he is remembered for his tireless work ethic as a conscientious attorney
and, as a vigorous advocate of every adopted cause, he lived by the principle that "a job
worth doing was worth doing well"; and
WHEREAS, he encouraged young men and women to continue their educational
pursuits whenever possible and achieve their lifelong goals, regardless of any obstacles
blocking their path, and convinced young minds that higher education was the key to
opportunity in life and that hard work and diligence placed success within their grasp; and
WHEREAS, he was a lifelong devout and contributing lay leader of the Sacred Heart
Catholic Church of Rayville, Louisiana; he served as an altar boy, choir member, lay
minister, and member of the Sacred Heart Mens Club; he was a member of the church Board
of Trustees and was instrumental in the planning and building of Flynn Hall; he spearheaded
the annual Sacred Heart Men's Club Bar-B-Q fundraiser; and Pope John Paul II appointed
him as a Knight in the Order of Saint Gregory for the Shreveport Diocese of the Catholic
Church; and
WHEREAS, Theo was a loving, devoted, and dedicated husband of fifty years to his
loving wife, Francis Mills Coenen, a cherished father, grandfather and committed brother,
uncle, relative, and friend whose love of family was of utmost importance in his life; and
WHEREAS, upon his death the world lost a unique individual who left an indelible
mark upon his community and the lives of all those who knew him.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana acknowledges
a lifetime of achievement and service and does hereby extend condolences to the family,
friends, and colleagues of Theo Coenen III.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to his
wife, Frances Mills Coenen.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES