HR0490 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0490 LRB096 13153 KXB 27631 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Steven "Steve" Frederick Sell of Mattoon, who passed away on May 13, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Steve Sell was born October 19, 1946 in Mattoon, the son of Frederick John "Fred" Sell and Eleanor Janet Sell; Steve was dedicated to teaching hundreds of Scouts the meaning of the 12 tenets of the Scout Oath: to be "Trustworthy, Loyal, Helping, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent"; and

WHEREAS, He headed Mattoon Boy Scout Troop 152 for 30 plus years, declaring his mission in life was to have the best Boy Scout troop in the Lincoln Trails Council; for over 51 years, Steve was involved with scouting, joining the Scouts at the age of 11; during his time as Scoutmaster of Troop 152, a total of 59 of his boys became Eagle Scout; and

WHEREAS, His genius was to bring out the best in his Boy Scouts; to listen, to lead by example, to inspire, motivate, give advice, and encourage; in addition to Scouting, Steve dedicated much of his life in service to others; Steve offered diligent leadership for boys throughout his life; he sponsored two exchange students, Roma from Russia and Rick from Brazil; Steve gave over 3,000 hours of service as a volunteer with Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital Guild and served as a volunteer Pen Pal for Mattoon Williams Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Steve was retired as a supervisor for the Illinois Department of Transportation; he was a lead member of the statewide Illinois Department of Transportation Management Training Cadre; he was a graduate of Mattoon High School and attended Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University; he served as Lafayette Township Assessor and was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Lerna Masonic Lodge #788, Ansar Shrine, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters; and

WHEREAS, Steven Sell is survived by his sister, Susan Perez; his three nieces, Sara De La Cruz, Lena Berrios, and Laura Fowler; his nephew, Asa Gonzales; his 14 grand nieces and nephews; and many close friends and relatives; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family, friends, and grateful young men who he instructed in the Boy Scouts over the years, the passing of Steven Sell; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Steven Sell as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.