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Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 68
BY REPRESENTATIVE DIXON
A RESOLUTION
To express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Reverend Wade A. Sykes,
Jr., of Alexandria.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Louisiana House of Representatives have learned of the death of Reverend Wade A. Sykes,
Jr., on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at the age of sixty-seven; and
WHEREAS, on December 24, 1944, Reverend Sykes was born to Wade A. Sykes,
Sr., and Lucille Shorts Sykes, and he was raised in South Alexandria; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Peabody High School in 1963, Reverend Sykes
served his country with great valor and fortitude as an Army officer in the Vietnam War,
earning several awards, including the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Expeditionary
Medal, National Defense Award, United States Armed Force Award, and the Rifle and
Sharpshooter Award; and
WHEREAS, on December 19, 1964, Reverend Sykes wedded his loving and caring
wife of forty-seven years, Betty Sykes, with whom he had two sons, Geoffrey and Anthony;
and
WHEREAS, Reverend Sykes' service to God began with his baptism at Eastern Star
Baptist Church and continued when he moved to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, where he
served with grace as a deacon, senior choir member, and Sunday school teacher and
superintendent; and
WHEREAS, in May of 1987, Reverend Sykes received his calling to the Gospel
ministry and in February of 1990, he was elected pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church,
where he served with great distinction for twenty-two years; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Sykes was an active member of the Baptist community,
serving as past chairman of the Interdenominational City Wide Revival Committee, ENROLLEDHR NO. 68
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executive secretary of the Eighth District Missionary Baptist Association, central regional
vice president of the Greater Louisiana Baptist Convention, and member of the National
Baptist Convention, U.S.A.; and
WHEREAS, in addition to retiring from Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in 2012,
Reverend Sykes also retired from Central State Hospital, Camp Beauregard, and as a bus
driver for the Rapides Parish School Board; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Sykes was preceded in death by his parents, his brother,
Clayton Sykes, and his sister, Deloris Bibbins; and
WHEREAS, left to cherish Reverend Sykes' memory are his wife, Betty R. Sykes;
two sons, Geoffrey O. Sykes and Anthony O. Sykes; nine grandchildren, six great-
grandchildren; seven sisters-in-law; eight brothers-in-law; one godchild, Cindy Ann Farrow;
one aunt, Alice Sykes; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Sykes' fellow citizens mourn the loss of this beloved
individual and share the grief of his family and friends upon his passing; and
WHEREAS, the legacy of Reverend Sykes will forever bring great pride and honor
to the Alexandria community and to the state of Louisiana.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the
death of Reverend Wade A. Sykes, Jr., of Alexandria, does hereby extend enduring
appreciation for his outstanding accomplishments and singular contributions during a
lifetime of dedication and service to God and his family, friends, church, and community,
and does hereby recognize that his legacy of kindness and compassion shall live forever in
the minds and hearts of all who knew and loved him.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of Reverend Wade A. Sykes, Jr.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES