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2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 31
BY SENATOR LUNEAU
A RESOLUTION
To commend and recognize Donald G. "Don" Kelly, former legislator and attorney, for his
distinguished public service and long-standing years of service to the people of
Louisiana.
WHEREAS, Donald G. "Don" Kelly, an attorney from Natchitoches Parish, has
devoted his life to service to his community, his clients, and the citizens of the state of
Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Northwestern State University, Don earned a Juris Doctor
degree from Louisiana State University, laying the foundation for a distinguished legal
career; and
WHEREAS, admitted to the Louisiana State Bar in 1966, Donald Kelly has practiced
law in this state with integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication for six decades;
and
WHEREAS, Don is admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United
States, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Eighth Circuits, and the United
States District Courts for the Eastern, Western, and Middle Districts of Louisiana, which
reflects the breadth and respect of his professional standing; and
WHEREAS, Don Kelly maintained active membership in the Louisiana State Bar
Association, the Natchitoches Parish Bar Association, the Louisiana Association for Justice,
and the American Association of Justice, and is a former president of the Louisiana
Association for Justice; and
WHEREAS, having no prior experience in politics, Don was elected as a delegate
for the 24th Representative District of the Constitutional Convention of 1973 and was
subsequently elected to the Louisiana Senate, serving from 1976 to 1996, representing his
constituents with professional diligence and distinction; and
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SR NO. 31 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, during his tenure in the Senate, Don served on the Senate Committee
on Judiciary A, the Senate Committee on Judiciary B, the joint budget committee, the Senate
Committee on Natural Resources, and the Senate Committee on Finance, making significant
contributions during legislative deliberations affecting the people of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, from 1980 to 1987, he served as chairman of the Senate Committee on
Transportation, Highways and Public Works providing steady leadership and oversight on
matters critical to the state's infrastructure and economic development; and
WHEREAS, recognized as a distinguished Senate floor leader for two terms under
Governor Edwin Edwards and for one term under Governor Buddy Roemer, Don
demonstrated bipartisan respect, leadership, and the confidence of his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Don Kelly's public and professional career reflects a legacy of
principled public service, commitment to justice, and steadfast dedication to the betterment
of the people of Louisiana.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend and recognize Donald G. "Don" Kelly for his exemplary service as
a Louisiana State Senator and a distinguished member of the Louisiana Bar Association, and
does further express its sincere appreciation for his many contributions to the state of
Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Donald G. "Don" Kelly as an expression of the Louisiana Senate's highest regard and respect
and extends best wishes to Don for continued success and fulfillment.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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