SR0116 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0116 LRB102 17253 ECR 22723 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Barton "Bart" Francis Wills, a lifelong resident of Champaign, who passed away on February 19, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Bart Wills was born to Betty Louise Reifsteck Wills and Creed Airol Wills on January 22, 1955; he graduated from Champaign Central High School in 1973; he earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Parkland College and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; and

WHEREAS, Bart Wills first served as director of the Champaign County Survival Skills and Youth Employment Program and later as director of Champaign County Youth Services; he then entered the insurance field in 1982; he began his insurance career with Prudential and then moved into an equity ownership agreement with First Alliance Financial Group, Inc. in 1991; in 2004, he continued his equity ownership with the Dimond Brothers Insurance agency after its merger with First Alliance; he was also a registered representative with LPL Financial; he specialized in employee benefits and pension plans for businesses; he earned the coveted designations of registered health underwriter (RHU) in 1999 and chartered life underwriter (CLU) in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Bart Wills contributed to his community through both professional and social organizations; he served as a board member, a Political Action Committee member, and as state regional director of the Illinois Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, as president and legislative chairperson for the Champaign Area Life Underwriters, as a member of the Champaign County Mental Health Board, as president and a committee member for the University of Illinois Baseball Dugout Club, and as a board member for the Illinois Rebounders; he also was a contributing sponsor for the Red Ribbon anti-drug campaign for the Prairie Center Health System, Inc. and belonged to the Parkland College and SIU Alumni organizations; and

WHEREAS, Bart Wills was an outstanding athlete, who was known as a tough and highly competitive player with a fun-loving attitude; he played as an undersized center for Champaign Central's 1972 Big 12 conference championship football team; he played softball through 2019 and was a key member of the Illinois Softball Association Hall of Fame teams Gery & Al's and the English Brothers; he was selected to play on many all-state softball teams, multiple Twin-City championship teams, and state championship teams; the highlight of his softball career was starring for a World Championship Senior softball team in 2017 at the age of 62; although he played recreational basketball, his passion was slow-pitch softball, and he was one of the best for more than four decades; and

WHEREAS, Bart Wills was a die-hard Cardinals fan and was a longtime season ticket holder; he also enjoyed music, cars, and travel, but his greatest joy was his family; and

WHEREAS, Bart Wills is survived by his daughter, Rachel; his brother, Brian; his nephew, Joseph "J.P." Wills; and his sister, Rebecca (Jeffery) Powell; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Barton "Bart" Francis Wills 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 Bart Wills as an expression of our deepest sympathy.