HR0332 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0332 LRB101 12259 MST 59969 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of long-time Marion Mayor Robert L. "Bob" Butler, who passed away on Monday, April 22, 2019 at a very young 92 years old; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Butler served the City of Marion with distinction and honor during his record 54 years and nine months as mayor; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Butler was an energetic and effective advocate not only for Marion but for the entire region of Southern Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Butler served the people of Marion with strength, wisdom, and sensitivity through many disasters, including the 1982 Marion Tornado that killed 10 and injured 200 and a disastrous fire in 1997 that burned down the town civic center; and

WHEREAS, In 2007, Mayor Butler opposed the Illinois electric rate increase; The New York Times ran a news story on this issue featuring him; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Butler won his 14th election for mayor on April 7, 2015 with 71.8 percent of the vote in a three-way race; on May 5, 2015, he became the longest-serving mayor in Illinois history, surpassing the record of his friend and fellow Williamson County Mayor, Frank Caliper of Colp, who served 52 years from 1935 to 1987; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Butler will be deeply missed by Marion, the entire region of Southern Illinois, his children and extended family, his many friends, and his loving wife, Louetta; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the death and celebrate the life of Marion Mayor Robert L. "Bob" Butler, recognize his contributions to the City of Marion, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Mayor Butler and to the City of Marion.