SR0521 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0521 LRB103 34740 MST 64589 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Richard Arthur "Rich" Parsons of Rock Island, who passed away on October 7, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Rich Parsons was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Richard C. and Thelma (Moore) Parsons on January 1, 1946; he and his family eventually moved to Moline; he graduated from Alleman High School, where he played basketball, baseball, and football; he attended Black Hawk College for two years before enlisting in the United States Air Force; he was stationed in Ipswich, England, where he served for four years as a sergeant; after being honorably discharged, he returned to his home town and married Gail Diane Ziegler at St. Pius Catholic Church in Rock Island on July 14, 1972; and

WHEREAS, Rich Parsons worked full-time for and eventually retired from Missman Stanley and Associates in Rock Island; and

WHEREAS, Rich Parsons played many sports, and his favorites included basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, golf, pickleball, and racquetball; he spent many years in gyms, coaching, watching, cheering, refereeing, playing, and working out to stay active; and

WHEREAS, Rich Parsons was inducted into the Alleman High School Hall of Fame for his role on the 1963-1964 boys basketball team; and

WHEREAS, Rich Parsons was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Parsons; and

WHEREAS, Rich Parsons is survived by his wife, Gail; his children, Heather Parsons, Amy (Steve) Rognsvoog, Daniel (Heidi) Parsons, Abigayle (Matt) Peeler, Bridgette (Robert) Walker, and Sam (Courtney) Parsons; his grandchildren, Caitlyn Lynch, Shannon Lynch, Emma Rognsvoog, Riley Parsons, Kade Parsons, Whitnee Parsons, Ashlynne Parsons, Tristyn Parsons, Edith Walker, and Kirby Walker; his siblings, Robyn (Ken) Elliott and Steve (Mattie) Parsons; and his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Connie (Paul) Vaughn, Mike (Laurie) Ziegler, Larry Ziegler, and Tim (Paula) Ziegler; 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 Richard Arthur "Rich" Parsons 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 Rich Parsons as an expression of our deepest sympathy.