ENROLLED
Page 1 of 3
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 36
BY REPRESENTATIVES DIXON, HARRIS, AND HAZEL AND SENATORS ADLEY,
ALARIO, ALLAIN, AMEDEE, APPEL, BROOME, BROWN, BUFFINGTON,
CHABERT, CLAITOR, CORTEZ, CROWE, DONAHUE, DORSEY-COL OMB,
ERDEY, GALLOT, GUILLORY, HEITMEIER, JOHNS, KOSTELKA, LAFLEUR,
LONG, MARTINY, MILLS, MORRELL, MORRISH, MURRAY, NEVERS,
PEACOCK, PERRY, PETERSON, RISER, GARY SMITH, JOHN SMITH,
TARVER, THOMPSON, WAL SWORTH, WARD, AND WHI TE
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of former state representative
Israel B. Curtis of Alexandria.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Louisiana Legislature have learned of the death of their friend and former colleague, Israel
B. Curtis, on February 16, 2012, at the age of seventy-nine; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Peabody High School in Alexandria, Representative
Curtis received a bachelor of science degree from Grambling State University and a master
of education degree from Northwestern State University; and
WHEREAS, after serving in the United States Army, Mr. Curtis served the school
system of Rapides Parish for twenty-e ight years as a teacher and coach from 1957 until
1977, a school board member from 1983 until 1991, and as vice president of the Rapides
Parish School Board from 1987 until 1991; and
WHEREAS, Representative Curtis served four highly effective terms as a member
of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992 until 2008, and he used every
opportunity as an able and productive legislator to serve his constituency in Rapides Parish
and the citizens of the state of Louisiana in an honorable and dedicated manner; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Curtis steadfastly endeavored to improve the welfare of his fellow
citizens, and his legislative accomplishments were numerous; he served with great diligence
as vice chairman of the House Committee on Retirement and as a member of the House
Committee on Health and Welfare, the House Committee on Ways and Means, and the Joint ENROLLEDHCR NO. 36
Page 2 of 3
Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay, as well the Democratic Caucus and the Louisiana
Legislative Black Caucus; and
WHEREAS, the first African American elected to the legislature from Alexandria
since Reconstruction, during his tenure in the Louisiana Legislature, Representative Curtis
worked on and supported many important pieces of legislation, including but not limited to
legislation related to public education, retirement benefits for educators and police officers,
and boosting his district's economy; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Curtis also worked as the district manager of Winnfield Life
Insurance Company, was a member of the Central Louisiana Drug Council, helped found
the Central Louisiana Elected Officials Organization, helped organize the Magnolia Peace
Officers Association, and was a captain in the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Auxiliary; and
WHEREAS, Representative Curtis was the deserving recipient of numerous honors
and awards throughout the course of his career, and his professional, civic, and business
affiliations included the Knights of Pythagoras, Chicota Youth Camp, Shrine Temple, Most
Worshipful Prince Hall, and Veterans of Foreign Wars; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Israel "Chief" and
Maria Curtis, and one brother, Duel H. Curtis; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Curtis is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Barbara; two
children, Andrea (Alan) Richardson; one son, Benjamin; two grandchildren, Aleisha and
Jordan Richardson; one sister, Mamie L. Smith (Clyde); his goddaughters, Sequoia, Natalie,
and Deborah; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and friends; and
WHEREAS, the death of Mr. Curtis has left a great void and created a genuine sense
of sorrow in all who knew him, including the members of the House family, all of whom
mourn the loss of this wonderful man who served his state and this institution so well; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Curtis leaves behind a rich and unique legacy and is greatly missed
by all whose lives he touched through his commitment to public service and his dedication
to his fellow citizens.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of former state representative Israel
B. Curtis of Alexandria and does hereby record for posterity the enduring appreciation of the
citizens of Louisiana for his outstanding contributions and achievements, particularly during ENROLLEDHCR NO. 36
Page 3 of 3
his sixteen-year tenure as a distinguished member of the Louisiana House of
Representatives.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of Israel B. Curtis.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE