SR1235 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1235 LRB102 29238 ECR 41193 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Steven L. "Steve" Cantrell of Murrayville, who passed away on September 20, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Steve Cantrell was born to Lloyd and June Knight Cantrell in Jacksonville on November 29, 1951; he graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1970; he served in the U.S. Air Force for four years; he married Alice Dober Jones on March 14, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Steve Cantrell worked as a highway maintainer for the Illinois Department of Transportation for many years; he previously owned and operated Cantrell Trucking and worked with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services; and

WHEREAS, Upon the closure of the Jacksonville Theatre Guild, Steve Cantrell founded the Dream Center Foundation with the purpose of helping children learn the basics of life; he operated a food truck around Morgan County to benefit the Dream Center, and that truck became a popular attraction at the Morgan County Fair, the boat races on Lake Jacksonville, the Prairieland Heritage Museum, the Queen of Hearts drawing in Woodson, and many other local events; and

WHEREAS, Steve Cantrell coached baseball in Murrayville, traveled to the Gus Macker basketball tournaments, and refereed and coached his children's sports; and

WHEREAS, Steve Cantrell was a longtime member of the Murrayville United Methodist Church; he was active in the FFA Alumni and grilled at every home basketball game; he was selected to the board of directors of the Jacksonville School District in 2007, becoming the board's longest-serving member; and

WHEREAS, Steve Cantrell enjoyed attending auctions and thrift sales; he will be remembered for his generosity to others and his dedication to the Murrayville and Jacksonville communities; and

WHEREAS, Steve Cantrell was preceded in death by his father; and

WHEREAS, Steve Cantrell is survived by his wife; his children, Krystal Thomas, Chad Cantrell, Luke (Leah) Cantrell, and Nicole Cantrell; his mother; his stepchildren, Jessica Endres and Zachary Finch; his grandchildren, Danny Clemons, Allie Bowman, Carrie Bowman, Easton Thomas, Addison Cantrell, Teagan Cantrell, Nash Cantrell, and Brentlee Jones; his step-grandchildren, Bradey Finch, Britney Ratliff, Brenden Finch, Madeline Endres, Carter Turner, and Emma Finch; his step-great-grandchildren, Karliah Finch and Ella Mae Ratliff; and his sister, Suzanne (Greg) Bell; 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 Steven L. "Steve" Cantrell 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 Steve Cantrell as an expression of our deepest sympathy.