SR0715 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0715 LRB101 14658 MST 63575 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Wesley L. "Wes" Barr Jr. of Girard, who passed away on October 1, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Wes Barr was born in Springfield to Wesley L. Sr. and Kitty Esslinger Barr on May 16, 1963; he joined the U.S. Marines after graduating from Southeast High School and married Sherry Coons on September 9, 1995; and

WHEREAS, Wes Barr worked as a correctional officer in the Sangamon County Jail and as a police officer in Loami, Illiopolis, and Chatham; he joined the Sangamon County Sheriff's office as a deputy in 1991; he was elected as a trustee for Prairie Creek Township in 2009 and 2013; he served as Sangamon County Sheriff from 2014 to 2018; and

WHEREAS, Wes Barr was involved in charity work with a number of community organizations, including Contact Ministries, the Illinois Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, the United Cerebral Palsy Fund, and the Springfield Park District Foundation Board; in 2007, he was named The State Journal-Register's First Citizen, in part because of his work with Toys for Tots, which collected 14,000 toys in 2006 under his leadership; and

WHEREAS, Wes Barr loved his new home with Sherry at Otter Lake, where he cherished his time with her, went fishing, and spent wonderful time with friends; he also enjoyed golf; he loved his country and wanted to help others whenever he could; and

WHEREAS, Wes Barr is survived by his wife, Sherry; his father, Wesley L. Barr Sr.; his sisters, Betty (Hip) Phu and Robin (Wymond) Stubbs; his brothers, Michael and Joe Barr; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his two beloved pets, Sid and Hailey; 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 Wesley L. "Wes" Barr Jr. of Girard 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 Wes Barr as an expression of our deepest sympathy.