SR0416 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0416 LRB103 33310 ECR 63120 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lynn Ryburn Laughlin, who passed away on July 11, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Laughlin was born to Ernest E. and Naomi (McFadin) Laughlin in Massillon, Ohio on June 24, 1942; he obtained a bachelor's degree in preaching, a master's degree in New Testament, and an honorary doctorate of divinity from Lincoln Christian College, now Lincoln Christian University, where he served on the Student Cabinet and played on the basketball team; he also earned a bachelor's degree from Millikin University and a master's degree from Illinois State University, both in physical education; he married Lois Evelyn Whitlatch at Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln on June 1, 1979, and they enjoyed 44 years of love and partnership; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Laughlin devoted 56 years of his life in service to Lincoln Christian University, serving in the roles of basketball coach, athletic director, professor of the New Testament and physical education, director of student services, dean of men, director of recruitment, vice president of student development, vice president of alumni services, and special assistant to the president; he also served as a minister, guest preaching and officiating at hundreds of baptisms, weddings, and funerals; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Laughlin was a long-time leader in Rotary International and a multi-term president of the Rotary Club of Lincoln; and

WHEREAS, In 2017, Lynn Laughlin was honored as the only member of faculty or staff to serve over a half century at Lincoln Christian University; in addition, he was a Lincoln Christian University Hall of Fame inductee; he was also a recipient of the Paul Harris Award, the Rotary Club's highest honor; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Laughlin was a man of integrity and humility with an ageless energy, an easy smile, and a full-throated laugh, in addition to an abiding devotion to St. Louis Cardinals baseball; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Laughlin will be remembered as an irreplaceable coach, mentor, colleague, uncle, brother, father, husband, and friend; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Laughlin was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kirby; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Laughlin is survived by wife; his brother, David (Jeanie) Laughlin; his sons, Stephen (Jeannie) Laughlin and Marty Laughlin; his daughters, Melissa (Kevin) Fry, Tasha (Kevin) Palzkill, and Sarah Laughlin; his grandchildren, Colin, Kendra, Tori, Allie, Josie, Jackson, and Rilee; and a great-grandchild; 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 Lynn RyBurn Laughlin 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 Lynn Laughlin as an expression of our deepest sympathy.