HR0453 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0453 LRB102 20036 LAW 28861 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Kenneth Ray Richardson of Benton, who passed away on July 24, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Richardson was born to Roy and Martha (Beaty) Richardson one mile west of Snowflake on January 16, 1940; he enlisted in the National Guard on August 2, 1957; he received his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri; he attended supply school at Fort Knox in Kentucky, where he was on active duty from September 1957 to March 1958; he returned home and completed flight school; he married Shirley Ann Gulley on June 19, 1960, and they had two sons, Stephen and Barry, before she preceded him in death on May 24, 1973; he later married Marleen McLain at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in West Frankfort on February 14, 1974; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Richardson served in the U.S. Army for 38 years and held every enlisted grade, including command sergeant major; he served as the unit administrator while stationed in West Frankfort from August 1957 to August 1985; he served as the battalion command sergeant major and military personnel technician while stationed in East St. Louis from August 1985 to August 1990; after five years, he transferred back to Mt. Vernon and served as the unit administrator; during his military career, he received 34 letters of appreciation, commendations, and 25 military decorations; he attended 45 annual trainings in a number of locations, including Alaska in 1983, Germany in 1988, Honduras four times, and Panama three times in 1990; he served on active-duty mobilizations, ranging from floods to student riots and civil unrest, in 15 different states; he retired on August 22, 1994; and

WHEREAS, After retiring, Kenneth Richardson was offered a part-time job by his friend and Rend Lake College President Mark Kern in the Security Department in February 1995; he accepted, and his job developed into a full-time position by September 1995; he enjoyed his time at the college, where he was able work with young people again, and developed very good relationships with his work colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Richardson continued to serve his community in various capacities; he previously served as the chairman of the Franklin County Democrats, a precinct committeeman, and a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery Boards; he was a member of the Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. and A.M. and the Franklin County Housing Authority Board; he attended the Immanuel Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Richardson enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events, working on projects with his family and neighbors, woodworking, and watching NASCAR; he enjoyed spending time with his family most of all; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Richardson was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Shirley Ann Richardson; his sister, Lois June (Dale) Greenwood; and his brothers, Charles Richardson, Donald Richardson, and James Richardson; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Richardson is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marleen Richardson; his sons, Stephen (Sherry) Richardson, Barry (Toni) Richardson, and Brent McLain; his 12 grandchildren, Jason Richardson, Brittany Richardson, Autuam (Kyle) Prater, Colton (Sierra) Hiestand, Bailey Hiestand and Corey, Taylor Walden, Gus Walden, Sidney Walden (fiancée Lane), Amelia McLain, Madilyn McLain, Gabe McLain, and Analisse McLain; his eight great-grandchildren; his brother, Dale (Janice) Richardson; his sisters-in-law, Brenda Richardson and Jamie Richardson; and his several nieces, nephews, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Kenneth Ray Richardson 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 Kenneth Richardson as an expression of our deepest sympathy and in gratitude for his service to his country, county, and community.