HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 21

(By Delegate Shamblin)

[Introduced January 15, 2024; Referred

to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then Rules.]

Requesting the Division of Highways name Bridge Numbers: 20-079/00-015.97  (NB & SB) (20A512, 25A213), (38.50709, -81.40960) locally known as I-79 GABES CR BR 2675 NB & SB, carrying IS 79 over CR 53 & GABES CREEK in Kanawha County, West Virginia, as the ".Louie Patton Memorial Bridge".

Whereas, Louie Patton was born on June 12, 1946, to George and Erla (Abbott) Patton and was a lifelong resident of the Clendenin area; and

Whereas, Louie Patton was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War; and

Whereas, Louie Patton served in both Germany and in Vietnam during his time in the United States Army; and

Whereas, Louie Patton was a 48 year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 132; and

Whereas, Louie Patton took pride in helping construct Interstate 79 from Charleston to Flatwoods; and

Whereas, Louie Patton assisted in the construction of the Toyota plant in Buffalo, West Virginia; and

Whereas, Louie Patton was skilled in many trades and could be counted on by family, friends, and neighbors to supply his knowledge any time he was needed; and

Whereas, After Louie Patton became a Christian on January 1, 2009, and shortly thereafter, he began singing with his wife Sharon in many churches throughout the region; and

Whereas, Louie Patton was proud to spread the Gospel to the thousands of people who had an opportunity to hear him play and sing; and

Whereas, Louie Patton was wedded to his wife Sharon (Chapman) Patton for almost 51 years, and had several wonderful children together; and

Whereas, Louie Patton was a very generous and caring person and was well respected within his community; and

Whereas, Louie Patton loved his family and in return was a beloved husband, Dad, PawPaw, brother, and friend; and

Whereas, Sadly, Louie G Patton, passed away on July 11, 2020; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Louie Patton and his contributions to our state and country; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways name Bridge Numbers: 20-079/00-015.97  (NB & SB) (20A512, 25A213), (38.50709, -81.40960) locally known as I-79 GABES CR BR 2675 NB & SB, carrying IS 79 over CR 53 & GABES CREEK in Kanawha County, West Virginia, as the "Louie Patton Memorial Bridge", and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the "Louie Patton Memorial Bridge "; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.