Honoring the life of Tony Whitlow

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Anderson and 10 co-sponsors

The bill formally memorializes and honors Tony Eugene Whitlow’s life, public service, and community contributions without creating laws or funding.

House received Senate message

#resolutions

Summary of Bill: HCR 13 (2026) — Honoring the life of Tony Eugene Whitlow

Purpose and intent

The bill is a House Concurrent Resolution commemorating and honoring the life, service, and legacy of Senator Tony Eugene Whitlow, a longtime West Virginia public servant, as well as his family and community contributions.

It recognizes Whitlow's military service (Korean War), public offices held (West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate), leadership roles (chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, vice chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, and President pro tempore of the Senate during the 68th and 69th Legislatures), and his community initiatives (e.g., founding the Those Who Served War Museum).

Key provisions and changes

Formal recognition of Whitlow’s life and achievements within the official state record.

A resolution expressing the Legislature’s appreciation for his dedication to Mercer County and West Virginia.

A directive to the Clerk of the House to send copies of the resolution to Whitlow’s wife, daughter Valerie, and son Curtis (as named in the bill).

Who or what would be affected

The primary effect is symbolic and ceremonial: officials and the public would recognize Whitlow’s contributions to state and local government, veterans' commemoration, and community service.

The resolution does not create new laws, appropriations, or regulatory changes; it serves to formally memorialize an individual’s life and service.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: January 22, 2026, and referred to the Rules Committee.

Legislative action timeline (as documented in the bill history):

January 22, 2026: Introduced in House; to House Rules.
March 5–9, 2026: Processed through Senate (the bill shows movement from Senate to House with standard concurrent resolution procedures).
March 9, 2026: Senate adopted (voice vote) and communicated to the House; House completed action on March 9, 2026.
March 9–10, 2026: House received Senate message; immediate consideration and overall adoption steps completed.

The bill’s action is ceremonial and does not include fiscal implications, scheduling requirements, or enforcement provisions beyond formal recognition.

Sponsors and co-sponsors

Primary sponsor in the House: Delegates Gearhart, Ellington, Cooper, Canterbury, Anderson, Campbell, Ridenour, Butler, Hillenbrand, Hornbuckle, and Maynor.

Co-sponsors include: Jordan Maynor, Rick Hillenbrand, Ray Canterbury, Jeff Campbell, Jim Butler, Sean Hornbuckle, Bill Ridenour, Bill Anderson, Marty Gearheart, Roy Cooper, and Joe Ellington.

Notes for readers

This is a commemorative resolution honoring a public figure for decades of service, family, and community contributions.

It does not alter statutes, allocate funds, or establish new programs. Its primary effect is to acknowledge and celebrate Tony Whitlow’s legacy.