SR0172 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0172 LRB096 12088 KXB 24162 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Milton J. Smith of Peoria, formerly of Farmer City, who passed away on March 18, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Milton Smith was born June 9, 1921, in Peoria, the son of Milton Brown and Sadie Predmore Smith; he married Dorcas J. Gelling on September 2, 1945, at the Gelling farm in Monica, and they honeymooned together at Wrigley Field watching the Chicago Cubs; and

WHEREAS, He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, serving in the Southwest Pacific Theater; upon his return from the war, Milton farmed in Monica and was fertilizer manager for Stark Agriculture; he later moved to Farmer City, where he worked as a fertilizer manager in Harris and Broadwell; and

WHEREAS, He was a past member and commander of the Princeville American Legion Post and a current member of the DeLand American Legion; he was a member and past worshipful master of the DeLand Masonic Lodge 812, AF&AM, and former worshipful master of the Princeville Lodge 360, AF&AM; he also belonged to the Illinois Rabbit Breeders Association and the Woodlawn Country Club in Farmer City; and

WHEREAS, He was a DeWitt County Township supervisor and was a basketball referee in his early years, as well as a 4-H leader; he and his wife were members of the United Methodist Church of Farmer City, and they delivered Peace Meals through the Farmer City Senior Citizens Center; he was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan, enjoyed watching University of Illinois basketball games, and loved to bowl; he also enjoyed growing award-winning roses; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorcas; his parents; and his granddaughter, Heather Smith; and

WHEREAS, He is survived by his son, Milton Curphy (Kathryn) Smith; his daughters, Bonnie Lee (Ron) Riffey, Jurretta Sue (Glenn) Huffman, Kimberly Rae (Douglas) Phillips, and Bernice Irene (Banyong) Bunyarattaphantu; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his brother, Arthur Gene (Joyce) Smith; and his many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Milton Smith; and be it further

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