HR0420 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0420 LRB103 34538 MST 64372 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Edward Louis "Ed" Wilson, who passed away on September 4, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Ed Wilson was born in Hammond, Louisiana to Hattie Barney and Connie Wilson on January 30, 1916; his family migrated to Chicago during the 1920s; he graduated from Tilden Technical High School in Chicago and then spent five years working to support the family and to save for college; he worked as a Pullman Porter during that period; he graduated from West Virginia State College with a degree in electrical engineering in 1942, where he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in 1941 and was their oldest living member; he married Odessa on August 20, 1942; and

WHEREAS, Ed Wilson was recruited to join the Tuskegee Airmen while at West Virginia State College but instead chose to serve in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, the predecessor of the Air Force, in San Bernardino, California; and

WHEREAS, Ed Wilson was an early Black entrepreneur; he formed a business in the 1950s that developed and tested oscilloscopes for the military, becoming one of the first Black government contractors; he closed that business and later formed a partnership with some friends known as the Practical Trades Institute, which specialized in training electricians, TV repairmen, and others in a variety of trades/crafts; and

WHEREAS, Ed Wilson decided to find more steady work with engineering firms and soon earned a reputation as a top-notch quality assurance specialist, which carried through his career; at one firm he was chosen to be part of the team at NASA that designed, tested, and equipped space suits for astronauts; at another firm, he was frequently commended for outstanding quality testing and innovation of automotive and industrial supply equipment; during this time, he also was asked to work alongside the federal administration on the Task Force for Youth Motivation created under President Lyndon B. Johnson; and

WHEREAS, Ed Wilson and Odessa Wilson were one of the founding families of Kelly United Methodist Church, which recently celebrated its 70th Anniversary; he was recognized with their Lifetime Achievement and Service Award and served as the church treasurer for many years; and

WHEREAS, Ed Wilson was the first Black Eagle Scout in the Chicago area and an avid golf fan, which he continued to play into his late 80s; he was affectionately known as "PaPoo", bestowed upon him by his grandson, Brian; and

WHEREAS, Ed Wilson was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 73 years, Odessa "MaMa", and his siblings, Vivian Harris, Bernice Haywood, and Donald Carroway; and

WHEREAS, Ed Wilson is survived by his children, Robert, Bruce (Cathy), and Paula (Bill); his grandchildren, Warren Wilson, Ester Wilson, Marcus (Pam) Wilson, Bridget (James) Cravens-Neely, Brian Wilson, Steven (Jessica) Wilson, Tiffany (Josh) Bulliner Johnson, Willis Jack Bulliner III, and Dana (Desmond) Bulliner Ervin; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Edward Louis "Ed" Wilson 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 Ed Wilson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.