SR0436 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0436 LRB095 14584 GRL 40496 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John D. Downing of Canton, who passed away on November 13, 2007; and

WHEREAS, John D. Downing was born on September 12, 1946 in Canton; he was the son of John P. and Virginia Ruth (Lightle) Downing; he married Linda Sprecher on November 23, 1979 in Fairview; and

WHEREAS, John D. Downing was a United States Navy veteran, serving in Vietnam from 1966 to 1969; and

WHEREAS, John D. Downing was employed with the Caterpillar Tractor Company and was a Union Steward for many years before his retirement in 1999; after his retirement, he worked at Graham Hospital as a security guard and was a road commissioner for Putman Township; and

WHEREAS, John D. Downing was a past commander and member of the Fairview Legion Post 644 and a Past Master and member of the Fairview Masonic Lodge 350; he served on the Amos Abbadusky Trust and the Fin and Feather Boards; he was active in the Fulton County Democrats and was a long-time precinct committeeman and Vice Chairman; he was also a member of Fairview Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, John D. Downing was an avid golfer, bowler, and fisherman; and

WHEREAS, John D. Downing is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughters, Michelle (Darrell) Blout, Jennifer (Brad) Benson, and Jodi (Art) Belt; his grandchildren, Katie Burgard, Emily Blout, Harry Benson, Jack Benson, and Sophie Belt; his brother, Bill (Kathy) Downing; his aunt and his uncle; and his several cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of John D. Downing; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John D. Downing as an expression of our sympathy.