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Regular Session, 2012 ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 51
BY SENATORS THOMPSON, ADLEY, ALARIO, ALLAIN, AMEDEE, APPEL,
BROOME, BROWN, BUFFI NGTON, CHABERT, CL AITOR,
CORTEZ, CROWE, DONAHUE, DORSEY-COLOMB, ERDEY,
GALLOT, GUILLORY, HEITMEIER, JOHNS, KOSTELKA,
LAFLEUR, LONG, MARTINY, MILLS, MORRELL, MORRISH,
MURRAY, NEVERS, PEACOCK, PERRY, PETERSON, RISER,
GARY SMITH, JOHN SMITH, TARVER, WALSWORTH, WARD
AND WHITE AND REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
passing of a beloved statesman, The Honorable Donald Ray Kennard, former
member of the Louisiana House of Representatives.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret that the members of the Legislature of Louisiana
have learned of the death of former legislator and Louisiana State University assistant
athletic director, Donald Ray Kennard, on August 5, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Donald Ray Kennard blessed with a quick smile and a firm handshake;
he was a gentleman brimming with self-confidence, charisma, a keen sense of humor, and
a profound understanding of the complexities of law and the legislative process; who,
through diligence and tenacity, led a fascinating life experiencing success in nearly every
arena of endeavor; and
WHEREAS, representing the Central area of East Baton Rouge Parish, House of
Representatives District Sixty-five, Donald Ray Kennard embodied the best qualities of
public service; he held a genuine interest in the needs of his constituency and felt a personal
responsibility to represent all with honesty and integrity; and
WHEREAS, he was born on August 11, 1936, to parents, Sterling and Camille
Carpenter Kennard; and
WHEREAS, he graduated from Central High School with a cache of thirteen athletic
letters to his credit in football, basketball, baseball, and track; and
WHEREAS, Donald Ray Kennard attained a Bachelor of Science degree in
Education from what is now known as Southeastern Louisiana University and later coached
at Istrouma Senior High School; and SCR NO. 51 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, while he acquired a Masters Degree in Education from LSU, he also
coached the freshman basketball team; and
WHEREAS, he honorably served his country in the United States Air Force Reserves
for ten years; and
WHEREAS, Donald Ray Kennard had a lengthy career with the LSU Athletic
Department as a member of the LSU Sports Broadcasting Team for forty years, as an
academic advisor for twenty-two years, and as an assistant director of sales and marketing
for many years; and he gladly upheld the glorious traditions of the Purple and Gold; and
WHEREAS, he was articulate and knowledgeable in the policies affecting the
Central community; in 1975, he won election to the seat in the House of Representatives,
District Sixty-five, and served his constituents for eight consecutive terms, until term limited
in 2008, after thirty-two years of faithful service; and
WHEREAS, Donald Ray Kennard performed his legislative duties with noteworthy
aplomb and had served as a member of standing committees that included Commerce,
Judiciary, Administration of Criminal Justice (vice chairman), Agriculture, Forestry,
Aquaculture and Rural Development, and Transportation, Highways and Public Works; and
WHEREAS, he served as chairman of the House Committee on Enrollment and as
a member of the House Committee on Louisiana Homeland Security; he also served on the
joint legislative committees on capital outlay and the budget; and
WHEREAS, through his extraordinary talents of diplomacy and compromise, he
brought to fruition important legislation that included economic development, anti-gambling
efforts, criminal justice issues, and allowing concealed weapon permits for coroners; and
WHEREAS, he worked tirelessly on the behalf of the rights of victims and their
families for counseling and restitution; and
WHEREAS, he had been the deserving recipient of numerous honors and awards
throughout the course of his exemplary career, and his professional, civic, and business
affiliations have included Baton Rouge "Kids" Baseball Clinic, Chamber of Commerce,
Lions Club, the Louisiana Association of Educators, LSU Alumni Association, National
Council of State Legislators, Phi Delta Kappa, the American Legislative Exchange Council,
the American Professional Guidance Association, National Association of Academic
Advisors, and Central High School Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, throughout his time as a legislator, his political philosophy embraced SCR NO. 51 ENROLLED
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compromise, the give and take processes of representative democracy; Donald Ray Kennard
provided invaluable leadership in the House of Representatives and the legislative process
was made better by his active participation; and
WHEREAS, Donald Ray Kennard was a generous man blessed with an abundance
of skills; he performed his public service proudly and willingly; he extended courtesy to all;
and he leaves a rich and unique legacy of public service to his community, state, and nation;
and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Mona Norris Kennard,
daughters, Robin Lisa Kennard and Stacy Rae Doucet, four grandchildren, and a host of
family members and many close friends.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express its sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of a great statesman, former
member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, Donald Ray Kennard.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of Donald Ray Kennard.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES