HR0064 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0064 LRB099 06598 MST 26671 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Clarence "Red" Lowery, Jr. of Benton, who passed away on January 16, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Clarence Lowery, Jr. was born in Benton on January 18, 1926 to Clarence Lowery, Sr. and Bess (nee Sharp) Biggs; he attended Benton Consolidated High School, where he was President of the Class of 1944 and an All-State fullback for the Benton Rangers football team; he served in the United States Army during World War II and was involved in the Battle of Luzon in the Philippines, during which, on May 11, 1945, he sustained injuries in battle and was awarded the Purple Heart; following his service, he returned home and attended Erskine College, where he played football and basketball; he married Kathleen Collins on May 20, 1953; and

WHEREAS, Clarence Lowery, Jr. worked as a teacher and coach before joining the Mobil Oil Company as a regional salesman, receiving several national awards for excellence over his career before retiring; and

WHEREAS, Clarence Lowery, Jr. was an active member of the Benton community, serving on the Benton Consolidated High School board for more than a decade and on the Benton City Council; he was a candidate for State Representative in 1970; he was also a member of the Benton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2671, the Benton American Legion Post 280, and the Benton Masonic Lodge 64 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; he was a proud alumnus of Erskine College and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1982 for outstanding performance in football and basketball; and

WHEREAS, Clarence Lowery, Jr. enjoyed keeping up with current events and traveling; he visited countries all over the world and made frequent trips to Las Vegas; and

WHEREAS, Clarence Lowery, Jr. was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Max Lowery; and his sister, Helen Franko; and

WHEREAS, Clarence Lowery, Jr. is survived by his wife of 61 years, Kathleen Lowery; his 4 children, Lynn Alligood and husband, Bob, Cindy Lowery, Clarence Clyde "C.C." Lowery and wife, Heidi, and Rob Lowery and wife, Lisa; his grandchildren, Kathleen Wubker and husband, Brian, Olivia Lowery, Christopher Lowery, Clarence Wade Lowery, Ryan Lowery, and Mackenzie Lowery; his great-grandchildren, Lillian Kathleen Warpinski, Sophia Wubker, and Bennett Wubker; his uncle, Clarence Lowery; his nephew, Bill Lowery; and several other nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Clarence "Red" Lowery, Jr., 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 Clarence Lowery, Jr. as an expression of our deepest sympathy.