2022 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 76
BY SENATOR FOIL
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of John Compton Jr. and to recognize his outstanding accomplishments.
WHEREAS, it was with deep regret and profound sorrow that members of the Senate
of Louisiana learned of the death of John Compton Jr. on March 26, 2022; and
WHEREAS, John Compton Jr. was born in Rapides Parish on September 14, 1935,
where his families' roots ran deep as pioneers; and
WHEREAS, John Jr. spent his formative years on his family's Cheneyville farm
where his love of animals and appreciation for agriculture was first illuminated; and
WHEREAS, in 1953, John left his home to study agriculture economics at Louisiana
State University where he thoroughly enjoyed his youth and experienced all of the social fun
and indulgence that college has to offer becoming a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and
also one of the infamous LSU Samurai; when reminiscing on his days at LSU, he would
jokingly say that if he had any more fun, he would not have graduated; and
WHEREAS, it was at an Episcopal Student Center mixer that he met Miss Fannie
Samuel who would later become his loving and devoted wife of over sixty-two years; and
WHEREAS, Fannie, who is lovingly called "the Madame", and John were wed in
1959 just after graduation, and the couple moved to Fort Gordon, a military installation in
Augusta, Georgia, for John to fulfill his military commitment; and
WHEREAS, John's active duty service at Fort Gordon was shortened by hardship
brought on by the death of his father-in-law, resulting in his transfer into the United States
Army Reserves; his military service continued until his retirement with the prestigious rank
of Lieutenant Colonel; and
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WHEREAS, upon returning to the city of his collegiate days, John and his family
made Baton Rouge their home, and as befitting his degree, he went to work for the state's
agriculture department under the leadership of former commissioner Dave Pierce; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Pierce maintained an innate love of people that matched
John's and the two traveled the state, visiting small towns, appearing on local television and
broadcasting on radio programs with the mission to promote Louisiana's vast agricultural
products, and together, they became the public faces of agriculture in Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, John's trusted and established history of presenting the prodigious
agricultural resources of Louisiana in an affective and intelligible way endeared him to
newly elected Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, Bob Odom who asked John to
become his deputy; and
WHEREAS, through his work, John was recognized, well-known, and well-liked by
residents including the numerous state employees who time and time again, elected him to
serve as their representative to the Louisiana Deferred Compensation Board even after his
state retirement; and
WHEREAS, the celebration to commemorate John's retirement was described as both
an epic and memorable night with mountains of jambalaya for guests to enjoy, spontaneous
interruptions of good humor, and an unprecedented number of family, friends, and loved
ones who traveled from across the state during inclement weather to honor his years of
hardwork, dedication, and service to the state of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, John was actively engaged in ministry through his service at St. James
Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry, fulfilled frequent usher duties as well
facilitated the foyer group dinners for over 20 years alongside his wife; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Compton was engaged in community organizations and participated
as a member of the Baton Rouge Assembly, the Baton Rouge Country Club, the City Club,
the Society of Colonial Wars, and even demonstrated his lively spirit and love of dance
through his membership with several dance clubs; and
WHEREAS, John had the distinct honor of being appointed president of the Greater
Baton Rouge Dyslexia Association and served on the Soil and Water Conservation Board
for more than three decades; and
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WHEREAS, though he had an incredible social life and loved his career, above all
else, John's love and devotion to his wife, his son John Compton III, and his daughters
Frances Compton Rambo and Elizabeth Compton, who he affectionately called Bethie Boo,
were always first in his life; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, Fannie and John celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary
dancing, trying new foods, and discussing the political landscape of their beloved state, all
while being surrounded by family and friends; and
WHEREAS, John Compton Jr. led a remarkable life and those who knew and loved
him swell with pride remembering his love for his family, his state, and his faith; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Compton represents all that is good about Louisiana with all of his
unique talents, dynamic spirit, and charitable heart; he shared his talents and abilities with
his community and was a man of distinction who will be intensely missed but will never be
forgotten.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of John Compton Jr.,
does hereby recognize and record for posterity his accomplishments, and does hereby extend
appreciation for his enduring contributions and transformative impact that will long be
appreciated and a source of pride in the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
family of John Compton Jr.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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