SR1513 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1513 LRB101 23167 MST 74305 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Gene Burwell, who passed away on November 24, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Gene Burwell was born in Beason to Kenneth and Iona Burwell in 1935; he graduated from Beason High School in 1953 and served in the U.S. Army; he married Karen Benters on September 27, 1966; and

WHEREAS, Gene Burwell started his career as a carpenter and tradesman in Beason and Lincoln; he worked a second job as a gas station attendant in Lincoln; when the owner retired, he purchased the station; in 1958, he incorporated Burwell Oil Service; over the next 30 years, he built the business into 21 GB Oil convenience stores, a truck stop, the Lincoln Steak 'n Shake, and numerous other businesses until its sale in 2002; he was a distributor for Phillips Petroleum for over 40 years; and

WHEREAS, Gene Burwell was active in real estate development, and he was especially proud of the efforts to develop Lincoln's west side; he took a special pride in supporting community organizations in Lincoln and Logan County; he served on the board of directors for the State Bank of Lincoln from 1987 to 1996 and on the board of the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association from 1996 to 2002; and

WHEREAS, Gene Burwell had a passion for anything involving an internal combustion engine; he enjoyed cars, boats, airplanes, and any other thing that was built for speed; he collected various cars and boats over the years, and many of his happiest moments were spent with friends and family attending NASCAR races, boat races, and auto shows; and

WHEREAS, Gene Burwell enjoyed telling a story and reading and sharing what he read with his friends; he was charming, witty, and most definitely an extrovert; he cared deeply about his friends and took pride in mentoring many younger men and women in their careers; he and his wife attended Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln; they built their dream house in Four Seasons, Missouri in 1997, and they enjoyed years of visits there with family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Gene Burwell was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Elaine Butler; and his nephew, Kevin Lessen; and

WHEREAS, Gene Burwell is survived by his wife of 54 years, Karen; his daughters, Tami (Brian) Klink and Toni Burwell (Greg Purviance); his sons, Eric (Karin) and Curt (Christine) Burwell; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Gene Burwell and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Gene Burwell as an expression of our deepest sympathy.