SR0958 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0958 LRB103 40410 ECR 72723 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John F. Downs of Canton, who passed away on April 13, 2024; and

WHEREAS, John Downs was born to Franklin and Lydia (Johns) Downs in Canton on March 22, 1942; he served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1960 to 1966, during which he was in active service from 1962 to 1964; he married Patricia Messer at Shields Chapel Church in Canton on August 20, 1961; and

WHEREAS, John Downs worked as a heavy equipment operator for Caterpillar, Inc., retiring after 30 years of service; he also worked as a custodian for Canton School District #66 for 10 years; and

WHEREAS, John Downs was an avid hunter and fisherman; he enjoyed shooting clays, woodworking, and tinkering; and

WHEREAS, John Downs was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John Downs Jr.; his brother, Thomas Downs; and his sister, Betty Shaw; and

WHEREAS, John Downs is survived by his wife; his children, Steve (Kelly) Downs and Jennifer (Matt) McKenzie; his grandchildren, Trey (Kristen) Downs, Allen (Amber) Downs, Mallory (Ian) Foster, Brent Downs, Jason Downs, Lucas McKenzie, and Aaron McKenzie; his great-grandchildren, Owen Downs, Ellie Downs, Charlotte Foster, Ruby Foster, Teddy Foster, and Evelyn Downs; and his sister, Jane (Larry) Wages; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John F. Downs 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 John Downs as an expression of our deepest sympathy.