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Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 68
BY REPRESENTATIVE DIXON
CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences upon the death of Reverend Wade A. Sykes, Jr.,
of Alexandria
A RESOLUTION1
To express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Reverend Wade A. Sykes,2
Jr., of Alexandria.3
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the4
Louisiana House of Representatives have learned of the death of Reverend Wade A. Sykes,5
Jr., on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at the age of sixty-seven; and6
WHEREAS, on December 24, 1944, Reverend Sykes was born to Wade A. Sykes,7
Sr., and Lucille Shorts Sykes, and he was raised in South Alexandria; and8
WHEREAS, after graduating from Peabody High School in 1963, Reverend Sykes9
served his country with great valor and fortitude as an Army officer in the Vietnam War,10
earning several awards, including the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Expeditionary11
Medal, National Defense Award, United States Armed Force Award, and the Rifle and12
Sharpshooter Award; and13
WHEREAS, on December 19, 1964, Reverend Sykes wedded his loving and caring14
wife of forty-seven years, Betty Sykes, with whom he had two sons, Geoffrey and Anthony;15
and16
WHEREAS, Reverend Sykes' service to God began with his baptism at Eastern Star17
Baptist Church and continued when he moved to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, where he18
served with grace as a deacon, senior choir member, and Sunday school teacher and19
superintendent; and20 HLS 12RS-3234 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 68
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WHEREAS, in May of 1987, Reverend Sykes received his calling to the Gospel1
ministry and in February of 1990, he was elected pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church,2
where he served with great distinction for twenty-two years; and 3
WHEREAS, Reverend Sykes was an active member of the Baptist community,4
serving as past chairman of the Interdenominational City Wide Revival Committee,5
executive secretary of the Eighth District Missionary Baptist Association, central regional6
vice president of the Greater Louisiana Baptist Convention, and member of the National7
Baptist Convention, U.S.A.; and8
WHEREAS, in addition to retiring from Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in 2012,9
Reverend Sykes also retired from Central State Hospital, Camp Beauregard, and as a bus10
driver for the Rapides Parish School Board; and11
WHEREAS, Reverend Sykes was preceded in death by his parents, his brother,12
Clayton Sykes, and his sister, Deloris Bibbins; and13
WHEREAS, left to cherish Reverend Sykes' memory are his wife, Betty R. Sykes;14
two sons, Geoffrey O. Sykes and Anthony O. Sykes; nine grandchildren, six great-15
grandchildren; seven sisters-in-law; eight brothers-in-law; one godchild, Cindy Ann Farrow;16
one aunt, Alice Sykes; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends; and17
WHEREAS, Reverend Sykes' fellow citizens mourn the loss of this beloved18
individual and share the grief of his family and friends upon his passing; and19
WHEREAS, the legacy of Reverend Sykes will forever bring great pride and honor20
to the Alexandria community and to the state of Louisiana.21
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the22
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the23
death of Reverend Wade A. Sykes, Jr., of Alexandria, does hereby extend enduring24
appreciation for his outstanding accomplishments and singular contributions during a25
lifetime of dedication and service to God and his family, friends, church, and community,26
and does hereby recognize that his legacy of kindness and compassion shall live forever in27
the minds and hearts of all who knew and loved him.28
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted29
to the family of Reverend Wade A. Sykes, Jr.30 HLS 12RS-3234 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 68
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DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Dixon HR No. 68
Expresses condolences upon the death of Reverend Wade A. Sykes, Jr., of Alexandria.