ENROLLED
2016 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 15
BY REPRESENTATIVES COX AND FOIL
A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Jack Oliver
Brittain, Sr.
WHEREAS, it was with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Louisiana House of Representatives learned of the death of Jack Oliver Brittain, Sr., on
January 11, 2016, at the age of eighty-seven; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brittain was born on September 24, 1928, in Greenwood,
Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, he graduated from Ouachita Parish High School in 1945 and earned a
bachelor of arts degree from Louisiana Tech University in 1949 and a law degree from the
Louisiana State University Law Center in 1957; and
WHEREAS, while attending Louisiana Tech University, Mr. Brittain distinguished
himself as a star running back and defensive back; he scored his first college touchdown at
the age of sixteen; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brittain practiced law for fifty-four years, and was often recognized
in the legal profession both locally and nationally; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brittain was involved in several agricultural business ventures, and
he owned rental property and Beau Fort Plantation Home; and
WHEREAS, he worked to preserve historic structures in the Natchitoches National
Historic Downtown District and the Cane River area and to promote the arts; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brittain honorably served his country in the United States Army
during the Korean War, and he also served for two years in the Louisiana National Guard;
by the time of his honorable discharge from the military, Mr. Brittain had attained the rank
of major; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Brittain's civic accomplishments included serving as president of
the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce and receiving the chamber's "Man of the Year"
award; serving as president of the Rotary Club; serving as president of the Natchitoches
Jaycees and receiving that organization's "Young Man of the Year" award; serving as the
Jaycee National Director for Louisiana; serving as president of the Plantation Club; and
reigning as King Rex XLVII for the Holiday in Dixie Cotillion; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brittain also served as a delegate to the 1968 and the 1972
Democratic National Conventions; and
WHEREAS, for over fifty years, Mr. Brittain was an active member of First United
Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee, a Kids Hope mentor, and a volunteer for
Methodist Youth Groups; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brittain was preceded in death by his wife of forty-nine years, Ann
Williams Brittain, and his parents, Clarence L. Brittain and Irene Humphries Brittain; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brittain is survived by his children, Jack Oliver "Britt" Brittain, Jr.,
J.D.; Marguerite Ann "Cissy" Brittain Picou, M.D.; Rebecca Ann "Becky" Brittain Morris,
C.P.A.; Lala Elizabeth Ann Brittain Sylvester, judge, J.D.; Eliza Ann Brittain Behrendsen;
John Arthur Brittain, J.D.; and Mary Jane Ann "Cookie" Brittain Richardson; their spouses
and his sixteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, although the death of Jack Oliver Brittain, Sr., has left a tremendous
void in his community and state, his memory shall live forever in the minds and hearts of
the many citizens who knew and loved him.
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 Jack Oliver Brittain, Sr.; does hereby recognize and record for posterity his
outstanding accomplishments and singular contributions; and does hereby extend enduring
appreciation for the tremendous pride and honor that this wonderful man will forever bring
to his family, friends, and community, the city of Natchitoches, and the state of Louisiana.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of Jack Oliver Brittain, Sr.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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