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2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16
BY SENATORS MORRIS, ABRAHAM, ALLAIN, BARROW, CATHEY, EDMONDS,
FESI, HENRY, HODGES, JACKSON-ANDREWS, KLEINPETER,
MCMATH, MILLER, MIZELL, MYERS, OWEN, PRESSLY, REESE,
SELDERS, TALBOT AND WOMACK
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To express sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
passing of Jerry O. Arledge, a beloved coach and mentor, who dedicated more than
five decades of his life to influencing high school athletics and athletes, and shaping
young lives throughout West Monroe and beyond.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the Legislature of
Louisiana has learned of the peaceful passing of Jerry O. Arledge, former head football
coach of the West Monroe High School Rebels, at the age of eighty-three; and
WHEREAS, Jerry was born on April 1, 1942, and raised in Oil City, Louisiana,
graduating from North Caddo High School; and
WHEREAS, he earned a degree in Health and Physical Education from Louisiana
Tech University in 1964; and
WHEREAS, Jerry's love of football from an early age continued at Louisiana Tech,
where he played both linebacker and offensive guard in the days when players routinely
switched between offense and defense, excelling in both positions; and
WHEREAS, after graduating, he went on to coach football at North Caddo High
School, Fair Park High School, Northwestern State University, and Louisiana Tech; and
WHEREAS, his commitment to the game ultimately led Coach Arledge to the
campus of West Monroe High School in 1992, where he served as one of the top defensive
coordinators in the state, distinguishing himself in that position with eight state
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SCR NO. 16 ENROLLED
championship teams; and
WHEREAS, he was named head coach of the Rebels in 2013, and led his team to
nine district championships and two state championship game appearances, compiling an
incredible 104-22-1 record; and
WHEREAS, Coach Arledge's exemplary coaching produced outstanding players and
helped to cultivate new careers for those players in the ranks of college and professional
football; and
WHEREAS, he proved himself to be a leader of the highest caliber, a catalyst who
motivated young athletes to work together, to exceed personal expectations, to attempt
seemingly unattainable goals, to demonstrate an exceptional competitive nature and esprit
de corps, and to perform as a team made of many cohesive parts; and
WHEREAS, Coach Arledge was honored by the National Football Foundation and
College Hall of Fame in 2021 for his contributions to amateur football, having worked with
unflagging vitality out of pure love for the game and a desire to help students play it well;
and
WHEREAS, devoted to his faith and a steadfast member of First Methodist Church
in West Monroe; Jerry was preceded in death by his grandson, Ben; his parents, Ruel and
Myrtle Arledge; and siblings, Edward Arledge, Buster Arledge, and Peggy Densmore; and
WHEREAS, those left to honor and cherish him are his loving wife of over sixty
years, the former Sally Lytton of Gilliam, Louisiana; his four children, Sara Blackwell, Will
Arledge (Joan), Libby Gleason (Steve), and Rob Arledge (Amanda); his grandchildren,
Abby, Will (Laura), Sally, Emily (Matt), Mary, Andrew, Lytton, and Sara Catherine; his five
great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, loved ones, and friends; and
WHEREAS, Jerry shall remain an enduring figure in West Monroe sports, his
community, and his state for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, he represented all that is good about Louisiana as a man with unique
gifts and a charitable spirit, and with his passing Louisiana has lost one of its finest citizens,
who left an indelible mark on the lives of the many individuals whom he touched with his
inspiring qualities and generosity, and who is now terribly missed but will never be
forgotten.
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
extend its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Jerry O. Arledge on the occasion
of his passing, does record for posterity his outstanding accomplishments and singular
contributions, and does further express its enduring appreciation for the tremendous pride
and honor that he will forever bring to his family, friends, players, and state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Sally
Lytton Arledge.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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