ENROLLED
2017 First Extraordinary Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 5
BY REPRESENTATIVE GLOVER
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To express the condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the death of Joseph "Joe"
Stone of Baton Rouge.
WHEREAS, Joseph Stone entered the world on May 12, 1935, in Baton Rouge, and
departed for his eternal rest on February 4, 2017, at the age of eighty-one; and
WHEREAS, the fourth child of Ada Nelson Stone and Robert Stone, Sr., Joe
attended Zion City Elementary School, McKinley High School, and transferred to Southern
University Laboratory School, where he played football; and
WHEREAS, upon his graduation from Southern Lab, Mr. Stone answered the call
to duty and enlisted in the U.S. Navy; he faithfully served his country for four years; and
WHEREAS, in 1958, Joe returned from military service and married Mary Ann
Thompson; he took night classes while he worked during the day, and he became a member
of Local #1177 of the Laborers' International Union of North America; and
WHEREAS, Joe Stone earned promotions to foreman and general laborer foreman,
and achieved appointments to the positions of field agent and assistant business manager;
in 1997, Mr. Stone participated in the Harvard University trade union program and from
1985 to 1988, he served as a board member of Local #1177; and
WHEREAS, in 1988, Joe Stone served as business manager and secretary treasurer
of his union until he was named assistant secretary at the Louisiana Department of Labor in
1992 by Governor Edwin Edwards; in his capacity as assistant secretary, Mr. Stone
administered the Job Training Partnership Act Office of Labor, Apprenticeship, Hourly
Wage Divisions, and the Community Service Block Grants program; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Stone was an officer in the Louisiana and Greater Baton Rouge
AFL-CIO and was president of the Louisiana Laborers' District Council; he was instrumental
in the formation of the Louisiana Laborers' Training Fund and the Health & Welfare Fund,
Baton Rouge Building and Trades, and the state and Baton Rouge chapters of the A. Philip
Randolph Institute; and
WHEREAS, Joe Stone was an ardent Southern University football fan and a member
of the Southern University Quarterback Club; he earned the title of BBQ Master of the
Louisiana Laborers' District Council family days and was considered an expert cook; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stone enjoyed relaxing with family, friends, and fellow members
of the Matadors Social and Civic Club; he was a member of Jordan United Methodist
Church in Baton Rouge; and
WHEREAS, those who knew Joe Stone are saddened by his passing but will
remember him as a distinguished labor and civic activist, a man of tremendous leadership,
fairness, and integrity, and a champion in the arena of laborers' rights.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express deepest sympathies and condolences to family and friends upon the death of Joseph
Stone and does hereby offer sincerest hopes for comfort and peace in this time of sorrow.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of Joseph Stone.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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