2024 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 73
BY SENATOR FOIL
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana to the
family and friends of Frank Paul Simoneaux upon the occasion of his passing.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Legislature of Louisiana have learned of the passing of Frank Paul Simoneaux, who departed
this life peacefully at his home on May 8, 2024, at the age of 90; and
WHEREAS, Frank Paul Simoneaux was married to the love of his life, Marie
Lancaster Simoneaux, for almost sixty-three years, and together they built a loving and
supportive family; and
WHEREAS, born in Brusly St. Vincent, Louisiana, Frank Paul Simoneaux attended
Nichols Junior College before enrolling at Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1954, where
he demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to public service; and
WHEREAS, after serving two years in the United States Army, he returned to LSU
and graduated from the LSU Law School in 1961, embarking on a distinguished legal career;
and
WHEREAS, Frank returned to active military duty, was promoted to captain, and
transferred to the Judge Advocate General Corps., completing thirty years of Reserve and
National Guard service before retiring with the rank of colonel; and
WHEREAS, beginning his legal career in Lake Charles, Frank later joined the Baton
Rouge law firm Breazeale, Sachse, and Wilson in 1963, where he continued to practice law
with distinction; and
WHEREAS, his political career commenced in 1972 when he was elected to the
Louisiana House of Representatives, serving three terms and becoming a founding member
of the Young Turks, a group of legislators dedicated to reforming the legislative process; and
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WHEREAS, in 1980, Representative Simoneaux was unanimously elected House
Speaker pro tempore, and he earned widespread respect for his integrity, bipartisan
collaboration, and legislative achievements, including modernizing marriage equality,
lobbying reform, oil and mineral rights reform, and the removal of unconstitutional Jim
Crow era state laws; and
WHEREAS, known for his scholarly and courteous demeanor, he was lauded by
colleagues as well as the press; named Best Legislator for four consecutive years by the
political magazine Gris Gris, noting both his ability to work across the aisle and his
unwavering integrity; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, Governor David Treen appointed him Secretary of Natural
Resources, and in 2008, he was elected by the House to the Louisiana Board of Ethics, where
he was selected chair by its members; and
WHEREAS, Frank was a founding member of the Bocage Racquet Club, where he
remained an active tennis player well into his eighties, and he founded the Greater Baton
Rouge Hope Academy, serving children with various disabilities; and
WHEREAS, he was a member of Cadets of the Old War Skule and was inducted into
the LSU Law School Hall of Fame and the LSU Hall of Distinction; and
WHEREAS, his devotion to his wife, family, and Catholic faith was paramount in
his life, and he leaves behind a legacy of service, commitment, and love.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express the sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Frank Paul
Simoneaux upon the occasion of his passing and does hereby commend his exemplary life
and dedicated public service.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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