Introduced Version
House Resolution 31 History
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H. R. 31
"Expressing the collective sadness of the members of the House
of Delegates concerning the death of the Honorable Joe H. Farris,
former member of the House from the County of Kanawha."
WHEREAS, The many friends and colleagues of the Honorable Joe
H. Farris were saddened to learn of his passing on the tenth day of
August, 1997, and pause to remember his life.
Born on April 14, 1922, in Charleston, West Virginia, he
attended the public schools of Kanawha County, received the
Bachelor of Arts degree from Morris Harvey College and attended
the Graduate College of West Virginia University.
Married to Mary Lou Corey, they had four children: M.
Christine Morris, who serves as Chief Counsel to the Minor
Committees of the House of Delegates, Joe H. II, G. Corey and David
S. (Deceased).
Joe Farris was a man of many facets and wore a coat of many
colors. His civic, fraternal and benevolent affiliations included
membership in the Charleston Lions Club, having served as
Secretary, and he was the recipient of the Lions Sight Foundation
Leonard Jarrett Award. He was Past President, Director, of the
Charleston Press Club; Past President, Secretary, of the West
Virginia Sportscasters Association; Member of the Charleston
Distance Run Committee; Member of the Local Draft Board #13, was Past Staff Vice Chairman of the United Fund and was Past Chairman
of the Charleston Christmas Parade. He also served others by
tirelessly volunteering his time and efforts to the annual Veltrie
Thanksgiving Dinner and served his country in the United States Air
Force.
Professionally a broadcaster, Joe Farris was a household name
among countless West Virginians who followed radio sports. He was
an Episcopalian and a man of deep and abiding faith.
He was always interested the political process and availed
himself of the opportunity to observe the House first-hand by
working on the staff of the Clerk of the House from 1985 to 1990.
Joe Farris decided to run for the House as a member from Kanawha
County, and was elected in 1990, 1992, 1994 and in 1996. It was in
1991 that "Delegate Joe" took root. He served his constituents
well and represented them with valor, honor and distinction. He
served as Chairman of the Committee on Banking during the 72nd and
the First Session of the 73rd Legislatures. Always an advocate of
good government, Delegate Joe saw and understood the complexities
of the Legislature, but he always held the people he was elected to
serve as foremost in his legislative career. He was a particular
friend, supporter and admirer of the House staff, and firmly
believed that an institution is only as good as those who work for it. Delegate Joe belor
it.eiieved and procalaimed that ththe makeup H He strived for perfection, understood human limits and
frailties, advocated professionalism at all levels of government
and fearlessly upheld the notion of building for the future.
Delegate Joe's notion of professionalism led to his
involvement with legislative professional development seminars and
meetings, and it was during the close of the 1997 Annual Meeting of
the National Conference of State Legislatures in Philadelphia that
his earthly life ended; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the members of the House of Delegates of the 73rd
Legislature hereby publicly note the life, accomplishments, service
and friendship of a devoted and esteemed colleague; that sadness is
hereby expressed upon his passing and that we hereby acknowledge
that Delegate Joe remains with those of us who knew him; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates
prepare certified copies of this resolution for Mary Lou Farris,
his wife; Christie Morris, Joe H. Farris II, G. Corey Farris, his
children; and for Helen Farris, his surviving sister.