Session of 2000
Effective: Upon Adoption



� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � HOUSE RESOLUTION No. 6013 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � A Resolution in memory of Robert Caldwell.
� � � WHEREAS,� Robert Caldwell, a giant in the Salina community, died
October 20, 1999, at age 86; and

� � � WHEREAS,� Robert Caldwell was a member of the Salina City Com-
mission for eight years and served three terms as Salina's only black
mayor. He served as a state representative for the 1977-78 term, was a
member of the Kansas Board of Regents, was active for many years in
the Salina branch of the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People (NAACP), and was a member of several other local and
state civic organizations. He was a teacher in Salina public schools for 39
years and a scoutmaster for 48 years; and

� � � WHEREAS,� Robert Caldwell spent most of his teaching years as a
graphic arts instructor at Salina Central High School although he taught
for three years at Dunbar Elementary School before being drafted during
World War II. In 1976 he was voted the Salina and state teacher of the
year, and in 1979 he was elected to the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame,
Dodge City; and

� � � WHEREAS,� Robert Caldwell has been described as a warrior in the
civil rights movement. He worked to help the African-American com-
munity state-wide, and when prospective members would lament they
couldn't afford to join the NAACP, he would lend them money to ensure
they would join; and

� � � WHEREAS,� Robert Caldwell was born June 21, 1913, the sixth of nine
children of William and Elizabeth Caldwell. He attended a segregated
grade school and in high school sports was allowed only to participate in
track. In college he lettered all four years in track with champion events
in the high hurdles and broad jump. He served in World War II and was
severely injured while preparing for the D-day invasion in Europe. After
the war he returned to Salina and resumed his teaching career. He mar-
ried his college sweetheart, Bessie Lee Ellis, and they had three children,
Robert, A-Toy and Teree. His wife and son preceded him in death: Now,
therefore,

� � � Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Kan-
sas:�That we extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Robert Cald-
well; and

� � � Be it further resolved:�That the Chief Clerk of the House of Repre-
sentatives be directed to provide five enrolled copies of this resolution to
Representative Horst for presentation to Mr. Caldwell's daughter, Teree
Caldwell Johnson; his daughter, A-Toy Caldwell Colbert; his brother,
Roscoe C. Caldwell; his sister, Reba Litman; and his sister, Pearl Rice.