Obituary Clyde D. Guthrie  
Tensas Parish, Louisiana
1911-1995
Submitted by Edith Ziegler, 03 OCT 1999

**********************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm
**********************************************

  
      Clyde D. Guthrie, who died last week at the age of 84, was
one of this area's most distinguished citizens whose public
service should be remembered. 
      Mr.  Guthrie served on the Fifth District Levee Board for
35 years, probably longer than any other member in the history
of the levee district.  He served under four different governors
from 1952-56 and then from 1961-1982. 
      That was especially remarkable, for Mr. Guthrie was not a
politically active man.  He was respected for his integrity
and his deep interest and concern for this region of the state. 
      Through the years the Levee Board has been an integral 
public body responsible for maintaining the mainline Mississippi
River levee, so vital to the Delta parishes.  Numerous good
citizens have served for very nominal compensation. 
      Certainly, Clyde Guthrie would be among those at the top of 
the group.  He served as president and vice-president of the 
board. 
      A native of Tensas Parish, Mr. Guthrie personally witnessed
the changes that came about primarily for the use and
development of the rich soil in the Delta.  The vast hardwood
timber forests that stood when he was a young man disappea-
red for agriculture. 
      That created greater needs for flood protection, not to
mention drainage.  He was active in the effort to develop the
area in that regard. 
      Mr. Guthrie operated plantation property of his own, served
as a bank director and participated in the affairs of the 
area until ill health forced him to the sidelines in recent
years. 
      Those who knew him respected him for what he was, a truly
good man who loved his home land and offered his service 
quietly without seeking credit or recognition. 

From the Concordia Sentinel