SR0232 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0232 LRB096 12457 KXB 25458 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Donald Adkins of Batavia, who passed away on April 7, 2009; and

WHEREAS, He was born on August 6, 1923, in Elgin, the only child of Ruth Hollingsworth and Donald Adkins; he was raised by his lovely and loving grandmother, Tena Hollingsworth; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, he served as a meteorologist and studied at the University of Iowa, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Chicago; wherever he was stationed, he was called upon each week to play his saxophone and clarinet, wherever music was needed, as he had done up and down the Fox Valley during his high school years; when he was discharged after the war, he attended Illinois State (Normal) University, where he continued with his music as a member of the Blackfriars; he graduated from Illinois State University in June 1948 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and did graduate work at the University of Chicago and Northern Illinois University, where he earned advanced degrees in administration and in guidance; he also served in several leadership roles in the Phi Delta Kappa educational fraternity; and

WHEREAS, He spent his career in education at Mooseheart, starting as a fifth grade teacher in 1951 and retiring as the director of education in 1991; he was respected and loved by his colleagues and students; he was a counselor, mentor and friend; and

WHEREAS, He is remembered for his humor, his smile, and that he loved to be around people; he enjoyed conversation, and made others happy with his humor, laughter, and quick wit; and

WHEREAS, Donald Adkins was preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother; his son, Gerard Joseph; and his stepmother, Loretta Adkins; and

WHEREAS, Donald Adkins is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara; his children, Catherine (Rear Admiral Rick) Ruehe, Charles Donald (Marianne Linn), and William Francis (Mary Ellen); and his grandchildren, Emily (Andrew) Ruehe Puckett and Eric Ruehe; 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 Donald Adkins; and be it further

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