2015 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 124
BY SENATOR DORSEY-COLOMB
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the death of Morris
Lawrence East.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the citizens of Louisiana
learned of the death of Morris Lawrence East on April 30, 2015, at the age of seventy-seven;
and
WHEREAS, he was born on April 19, 1938, in Hackberry, Louisiana, where he lived
until he joined the United States Army in 1955; and
WHEREAS, Mr. East served with distinction in Army intelligence throughout the
world, including tours in Afghanistan, Italy, Germany, France, and Vietnam before retiring
at the rank of Sergeant First Class; and
WHEREAS, during his military service, he received the Meritorious Service Medal
and was a member of a unit awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for intelligence
efforts in the Gulf of Tonkin; and
WHEREAS, after retiring from the armed forces with twenty years of service, Mr.
East moved his family to Baton Rouge where he and his wife attended Louisiana State
University (LSU); and
WHEREAS, upon graduating, he was employed by the Louisiana Department of
Education for twenty years where he worked in a variety of administrative roles; and
WHEREAS, a lifelong learner, Mr. East returned to LSU to further his education and
enrolled in the paralegal program, language classes, photography classes, and dance classes
with his wife; and
WHEREAS, a devoted public servant, he dedicated his time and talent to numerous
civic organizations and political campaigns for candidates affiliated with the Democratic
party; and
Page 1 of 2 SCR NO. 124 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, a devout Roman Catholic, he served in a variety of leadership and
ministry positions in the churches he attended; and
WHEREAS, Mr. East is survived by his loving wife of more than forty-seven years,
Rebecca; his children, Mary East Sanders, Charles East, and Susan East Nelson; and his
grandchildren, Joey, Lauren, Samantha, and Emily, who were a great source of pride and joy
for him; and
WHEREAS, Mr. East's greatest loves were his wife and his family, especially his
grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, with the death of Morris Lawrence East, Louisiana has lost one of its
finest citizens who was admired by all whose lives he touched and is greatly missed; and
WHEREAS, his passing has left a tremendous void in the Baton Rouge community,
but his love, smile, and personality shall remain eternal in the hearts and minds of his loved
ones, friends, and all who had the opportunity to meet and know him.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Morris Lawrence East, does
hereby recognize and record for posterity his accomplishments, and does hereby extend
enduring appreciation for the pride and honor that he will forever bring to his family, friends,
community, and the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of Morris Lawrence East.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Page 2 of 2