SR0890 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0890 LRB094 22055 KXB 60627 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Leslie McCollum, Jr., of Herrin, Illinois, who passed away on November 18, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Leslie McCollum, Jr., was born July 6, 1925, in Johnston City, Illinois; his parents were Leslie and Ethel (Simpson) McCollum; and

WHEREAS, He married Anne Marie Bione on November 25, 1947, at the United Methodist Church in Herrin; Mr. McCollum served in both the United States Army and the United States Marines during World War II and the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, After being honorably discharged from the service, Leslie McCollum, Jr., began 40 years of service to the people and children of Southern Illinois in the field of education; he worked as a teacher, counselor, coach, administrator, and finally Regional Superintendent of the Williamson County Schools for 12 years; and

WHEREAS, Leslie McCollum, Jr., initiated the Academic Scholar Bowl in Williamson County and established the Williamson County Spelling Bee; he volunteered and worked with the Special Olympics and the Alternative School and initiated the "Coats for Kids" program for Southern Region 6; he served as co-chair for the American Cancer Society and chaired the Williamson County Chapter for 25 years; and

WHEREAS, He volunteered at the Marion Veterans Administration Hospital and served on the board of directors of the American Heart Association; he served on the Herrin Park Board and was on Senator Alan Dixon's Naval Academy Selection Board; and he was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin; and

WHEREAS, Leslie McCollum, Jr., is survived by his loving wife, Anna Marie McCollum, and his two loving daughters, Denise A. McCollum and Stephanie S. McCollum; he was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Ethel McCollum; his stepfather, Frank Schwaninger; and his two half brothers, Joe and John McCollum; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the death of Leslie McCollum, Jr., and extend our best thoughts at this time; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Leslie McCollum, Jr.