SR0370 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0370 LRB103 32922 MST 62726 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Roger Lewis Ferguson, who passed away surrounded on June 9, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Roger Ferguson was born to Vewen and Laura (Baker) Ferguson in Piper City on April 30, 1931; he lived for several years with his grandparents, Calvin and Lola Belle, and 10 aunts and uncles; he graduated from Chenoa High School; he married Norma Delores Eisele in Flanagan on September 3, 1950; he served as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, Roger Ferguson and Delores moved to Campus to farm and raise dairy cows and hogs after his discharge from the military; he farmed for over 40 years and then began a second career in professional photography; he was a member of the Illinois Photographer Association and won several awards for his portraits; he was recognized by the Burrell Printing Company for photography, and his photo was selected as the cover for a brochure widely distributed throughout the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, Roger Ferguson was elected road commissioner of Broughton Township and served for 16 years; he also served as clerk of the Village of Emington for six years; and

WHEREAS, Roger Ferguson married Constance "Connie" Bland in Urbana on October 10, 1992; and

WHEREAS, Roger Ferguson was a member of the American Legion; he proudly served as president of the Senior Advisory Board for Champaign County; he was a member of United Congregational Church in Emington and Friendship Lutheran Church of Joy; and

WHEREAS, Roger Ferguson was known for his quiet sense of humor and easy smile; and

WHEREAS, Roger Ferguson was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Norma; his brother, Howard Ferguson; his son-in-law, John Buttitta Jr.; and his grandson, Zachary Pound; and

WHEREAS, Roger Ferguson is survived by his wife, Connie; his children, Kathie (James) Pound, Thomas (Tiffany) Ferguson, Shannon (Bob) Graulich, Brian Mulcahy, and Darin (Lisa) Mulcahy; his grandchildren, Andrea Buttitta, Karin (Andrew) Stueland, Timothy (Hope) Buttitta, Kelsey Vansandt, Connor (Becca) Ferguson, Gabrielle Cinotto, Gianna Savarino, Madeline Pound, Kathleen Graulich, Allyson Graulich, Matthew Graulich, Kendal Mulcahy, Braden Mulcahy, Felicia King, and Cameron Randa; his great-grandchildren, Kinsley Vansandt, Cash Walker, Beau Ferguson, Jacob Clark, Devin Stueland, Quinn Kathleen Shockley, Joseph Buttitta, and Thomas Buttitta; and his brother, Robert Ferguson; 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 Roger Lewis Ferguson 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 Roger Ferguson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.