2022 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 219
BY SENATORS SMITH AND PRICE
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of William Warren Becknel Sr.
WHEREAS, it is with great regret that the citizens of Louisiana have learned of the
death of William Warren Becknel Sr. at the age of ninety-six; and
WHEREAS, as part of the "Greatest Generation", Mr. Becknel honorably and
heroically served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater as a member of the
United States Army Air Corps for which he received the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal;
and
WHEREAS, as part of his service during the war, Mr. Becknel was also awarded the
Bronze Star for heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, and
meritorious service in a combat zone; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Becknel continued his service to this country during the Korean
Conflict, until the time of his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force in 1951;
and
WHEREAS, despite his service in defeating Fascism and fighting the expansion of
Communism, Mr. Becknel returned home to the segregated South, where he continued a new
fight for civil rights; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Becknel was a founding member of the Friloux-Robinson American
Legion Post 509, in Ama, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, he proudly served as 2nd District Area C Commander in the American
Legion; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Becknel was recently honored for his service to this country and
American Legion Post 509, along with his dear friend and fellow WWII veteran Irving
Pierre Sr.; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Becknel was preceded in death by his wife, Maudra E. James, and
daughter, Esther Cecile B. Holmes; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by sons, William Warren "Bubba" Becknel Jr. and
Kenneth C. Becknel, along with son-in-law Jonas Holmes Sr., nine grandchildren, eighteen
great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby respectfully acknowledge with gratitude the outstanding service and many
accomplishments of William Warren Becknel Sr. and does hereby extend sincere regrets and
condolences to his family on the occasion of his death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
William Warren "Bubba" Becknel Jr., Kenneth C. Becknel, and Jonas Holmes Sr.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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