SR 188

2026 Regular Session  ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 188
BY SENATOR ABRAHAM
  A RESOLUTION
To commend and congratulate Marvin Self upon the occasion of his ninety-ninth birthday
       and to recognize his remarkable life of service, achievement, and dedication to his
       family, community, state, and nation.
       WHEREAS, Marvin Self was born on May 28, 1927, in Beaumont, Texas, and in
1935 moved with his parents and two sisters to Evangeline, Louisiana, where he spent his
formative years; and
       WHEREAS, while attending Iota High School, Marvin lettered in basketball and
track, competing in the 100-yard dash and the mile, demonstrating early the determination
and discipline that would define his life; and
       WHEREAS, Marvin graduated from Iota High School in May 1945 and, at age
seventeen, forged his mother's signature to enlist in the United States Navy, serving
honorably in the Pacific Theater during the final months of World War II; and
       WHEREAS, after his discharge in 1947, Marvin enrolled at McNeese Junior College,
where he met his future wife, Shirley Kerr, beginning a partnership that would last nearly
seven decades; and
       WHEREAS, after graduating from McNeese in 1949, Marvin enrolled at Louisiana
State University, living in the dormitories beneath Tiger Stadium and rooming with Frank
Salter, who would later serve as district attorney of the Fourteenth Judicial District; and
       WHEREAS, while at LSU, Marvin was called from the inactive reserve to serve in
the Korean Conflict, spending one year and one day aboard the Admiral's flagship in Hawaii
before being discharged in 1951; and
       WHEREAS, upon returning to Lake Charles, Marvin married Shirley Kerr on
September 5, 1951, and together they raised four children: Malcolm, Melanie, Douglas, and
Richard; and
       WHEREAS, Marvin was deeply involved in his children's activities, serving in
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SR NO. 188  ENROLLED
leadership roles in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Little League
baseball, and church basketball, and as leader of Explorer Post 54, he brought the group to
the National Explorer Olympics in Colorado after winning the state title; and
        WHEREAS, Marvin began his professional career with Olin Mathieson from 1951
to 1954, and in 1954 joined Dresser Magcobar, where he worked until 1986; and
        WHEREAS, in 1963, Marvin was part of the crew that drilled Alaska's first
successful oil well on the North Slope, spending three months on the job and returning to
Lake Charles just one day before the Fairbanks earthquake; and
        WHEREAS, in 1986, Marvin founded All Star Consultants, managing the company
until his retirement from the oilfield in 2013 at the age of eighty-six; and
        WHEREAS, Marvin has served on the boards of several oilfield-related companies,
contributing his expertise to the advancement of the industry; and
        WHEREAS, Marvin is an active member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, where
he served on missionary teams to Honduras, helping to build and renovate churches and
forming a deep connection to the country and its people; and
        WHEREAS, Marvin's love for Honduras led him to purchase a home there, where
he spent several months each year for decades; and
        WHEREAS, Marvin is a world traveler who has circumnavigated the globe multiple
times, including traveling across Russia to China on the Trans-Siberian Railroad, reflecting
his lifelong curiosity and adventurous spirit; and
        WHEREAS, in retirement, Marvin enjoys day trading, gardening, and caring for his
two beloved dogs, Scout and Rafa; and
        WHEREAS, the Louisiana Senate wishes to honor Marvin Self for his extraordinary
life, his service to his country, his devotion to his family, his contributions to his community,
and the example he sets for all Louisianians; and
        WHEREAS, May 28, 2026, marks the ninety-ninth birthday of Marvin Self, a
milestone worthy of the highest recognition.
        THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend and congratulate Marvin Self upon the occasion of his ninety-ninth
birthday and does hereby extend its heartfelt appreciation for his lifetime of service.
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SR NO. 188  ENROLLED
       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Marvin Self.
  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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