2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25101542D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 621

Offered February 10, 2025

Celebrating the life of Arthur Laxton Eller.

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Patron—O'Quinn

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WHEREAS, Arthur Laxton Eller, an international leader in livestock agriculture who was well known for his work on the development of beef cattle, died on October 21, 2024; and

WHEREAS, born to the late Arthur Laxton Eller, Sr., and Evelyn Britton Eller, Arthur “Ike” Laxton Eller grew up in Chilhowie and was part of a large, loving family that included his siblings, June and Edward, along with several aunts and uncles and 42 first cousins; and

WHEREAS, after receiving a bachelor's degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Ike Eller worked for Virginia Cooperative Extension as an assistant county agent in Tazewell County, then as a county agent in Russell County; and

WHEREAS, Ike Eller also served in the military as both a reservist and on active duty, then returned to Virginia Tech, where he earned a master's degree in animal breeding and genetics; he completed his education with a doctorate in animal breeding and genetics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his distinguished, 45-year career, Ike Eller advanced the field of livestock agriculture throughout the Commonwealth, the United States, and the world; and

WHEREAS, Ike Eller served as an extension animal scientist and project leader at Virginia Tech for many years and guided the development of innovative beef cattle performance programs in the United States, South America, Europe, and Africa; and

WHEREAS, among many awards and accolades for his professional achievements, Ike Eller received the National Extension Award from the American Society of Animal Science and the Man of the Year in Service to Virginia Agriculture Award from Progressive Farmer magazine; and

WHEREAS, Ike Eller was a leader in the Blacksburg community who offered his wisdom and expertise to the local Rotary Club, and he enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of the Church on Main, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school director; and

WHEREAS, Ike Eller will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Carolyn; his children, Amy, Evelyn, John, and Karen, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Arthur Laxton Eller, a leader in livestock agriculture and a respected member of the Blacksburg community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Arthur Laxton Eller as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.