MS SC584

Mourns the death of former Mississippi Senator Robert Lacey Crook, who passed away on January 26, 2011, after serving 28 years in the Senate from 1964-1992.

Commends Crook's legislative accomplishments including authoring Senate Bill 3050 in 1985 that reorganized Mississippi government following a landmark Supreme Court decision, for which he received a national award from the U.S. General Services Administration.

Recognizes Crook's role in establishing the Central Data Processing Authority (CDPA, predecessor to the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services), the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration, and the State Personnel Board.

Highlights his advocacy for modernizing state government, reforming the Public Service Commission and utilities regulation, improving operations at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, and legislation affecting legal practice and workers compensation.

Extends condolences to his surviving family including his wife Gita (married 57 years), sons Robert Crook II and Hubert Crook, and grandson Cade Crook.