Senate Resolution No. 103
(By Senators Tomblin (Mr. President), Barnes, Boley, Deem, K.
Facemyer, Guills, Hall, Sypolt, Bowman, Browning, Chafin, Edgell,
D. Facemire, Fanning, Foster, Green, Helmick, Jenkins, Kessler,
Laird, McCabe, Minard, Oliverio, Palumbo, Plymale, Prezioso,
Snyder, Stollings, Unger, Wells, White, Williams and Yost)
Memorializing the life of the Honorable Donald T. Caruth, attorney,
musician, civic leader, former member of the West Virginia
House of Delegates, member of the West Virginia Senate,
Minority Leader of the Senate, distinguished West Virginian
and dedicated statesman.
Whereas, Donald T. Caruth was born May 23, 1950, in Princeton,
Mercer County, West Virginia, the son of William B. and Elizabeth
S. Caruth; and
Whereas, Donald T. Caruth received his education from Athens
High School, and earned a Bachelor's degree from Concord College,
and a law degree from the West Virginia University College of Law;
and
Whereas, Donald T. Caruth was dedicated to the practice of law
in Mercer County, and was a member of the West Virginia State Bar
and the Mercer County Bar Association. He also served as the
Athens Town Attorney; and
Whereas, Donald T. Caruth was married to his beloved wife
Laura, and was the proud father of five daughters, Maria, Andrea
and Christie Boby; and Allison and Madison Caruth; and
Whereas, Donald T. Caruth served his community with pride and
distinction in a myriad of civic minded organizations, including
his membership in the New River Parkway Authority; the Board of
Directors of the Athens Volunteer Fire Department, the Athens
Medical Center, and the Childrens Home Society of West Virginia.
He was a former Adjunct Professor to Concord College and Bluefield
State College. He served as a Regional Supervisor for Veteran's
Education and Training. He was also a dedicated member of his
beloved Concord United Methodist Church, where he served as
Chairman of the Church Council; and
Whereas, Donald T. Caruth had a life-long passion for music,
especially jazz music, and was a talented trombone player. He
played for the Bluefield State College Jazz Ensemble, and played in
a jazz band named the "Concord Commanders" while at Concord
College. He also played in a top 40's band, the "Kaleidoscope";
and
Whereas, The Honorable Donald T. Caruth was elected to the
West Virginia House of Delegates in 2002, and was elected to the
West Virginia Senate in 2004 and 2008. During his time in office,
the Honorable Donald T. Caruth was responsible for a myriad of
worthwhile legislation which was enacted for the betterment of all the citizens of West Virginia. At the commencement of the 78th
Legislature, he was elected as the Senate Minority Leader; and
Whereas, Sadly, the Honorable Donald T. Caruth passed away on
May 1, 2010, bringing to an end a dedicated life as an attorney,
civic leader, and a distinguished career in public service;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby extends its sincere sadness at the
passing of the Honorable Donald T. Caruth, attorney, musician,
civic leader, former member of the West Virginia House of
Delegates, member of the West Virginia Senate, Minority Leader of
the Senate, distinguished West Virginian and dedicated statesman;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the family of the Honorable Donald T.
Caruth.