HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 18

(By Delegates A. Evans, R. Romine, Overington, and Hamilton

on Behalf of All Members of the House)

[Introduced 7, 2017]

Memorializing the life of the Honorable Otis Anderson Leggett, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, educator, administrator, statesman and public servant.

            Whereas, Otis A. Leggett was born on September 2, 1919, in Oxford, West Virginia, the youngest of seven sons and two daughters born to the late Columbus N. and Bertha Smith Leggett; and

            Whereas, In 1934, Otis married the love of his life, Anerl, and they shared 72 wonderful years together.  Otis and Anerl were the parents of one daughter, Cheryl Ann Parsons, the grandparents of Brian D. Parsons, Esquire, and Dr. Ashley Parsons Kahan, and great-grandparents to Fox, Molly and Eli Parsons ; and

            Whereas, Otis showed an early interest in education.  From traveling four miles to catch the bus to a one room school to ultimately graduating from Glenville State College with a B.A. and West Virginia University with a Master’s Degree, his journey in education was only beginning.  He went on to teach in a one room school in Doddridge County and later served as a teacher in schools in Ritchie, Wood and Pleasants counties.  As his career progressed, Otis served as principal of McFarland Elementary School, Pleasant Valley Elementary School, Park School and St. Marys Elementary School.  He also served as the Superintendent of Ritchie County Schools, ultimately retiring after forty years of faithful service; and

            Whereas, In 1986, Otis sought a seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates from Pleasants County.  He won that first election and would go on to win every election until his retirement in 2006.  During his years in the Legislature, Otis served on various committees including the Committees on Education, Finance, Government Organization, Rules, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Roads and Transportation.  He was a champion for his constituents, well respected by his peers and valued for his vast experience in the field of education.  As a member of the House of Delegates, Otis Leggett served with distinction and in 2006 received from Governor Joe Manchin the highest honor the Governor can issue for a native West Virginian, the Distinguished West Virginian Award; and

            Whereas, Otis was a Life Member of the National Education Association Retired Teachers Association, Past President of the Pleasants County Retired School Employees, and a member of the St. Marys Lions Club, Pleasants County Farm Bureau, NRA, National Principal’s Association, and the Pleasants County Heart Association.  He was also a member of the Harrisville City Council; and

            Whereas, Otis was a long time member of the St. Marys Methodist Church and he dearly loved his farm “The Summers Place” in Doddridge County.  He also loved fishing and began a family tradition of fishing in Canada for more than 50 consecutive years; and

            Whereas; Sadly, the Honorable Otis A. Leggett passed away on Monday, January 30, 2017; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Delegates:

            That the House of Delegates hereby memorializes the life of the Honorable Otis Anderson Leggett, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, educator, administrator, statesman and public servant; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the House of Delegates hereby extends its sincere sympathy at the passing of the Honorable Otis A. Leggett; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a copy of this resolution to the family of the Honorable Otis A. Leggett.