SR0757 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0757 LRB096 21703 GRL 39295 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert J. Rhoads of Carlinville, who passed away on March 14, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Robert Rhoads was born on July 30, 1924, in Plainview; he was the son of Robert T. and Lucille Little Rhoads; he married Mary Lou Pressler on July 9, 1947, at the Shipman Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Robert Rhoads served his country with pride and distinction in the United States Army during World War II, serving some of his time in Africa; he attended Shertleff College in Alton and George Washington University in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, Robert Rhoads was employed with Western Auto Stores as a regional manager in the Southern United States until 1966; he and his wife became the owners and operators of the Sears Catalog and Merchant Store in Carlinville and Staunton until they sold the business in 1998; and

WHEREAS, Robert Rhoads enjoyed traveling; he flew on the Concorde and sailed on the Queen Elizabeth II, visited all 50 states, and traveled throughout Mexico; he also enjoyed visiting people, singing, and telling stories; and

WHEREAS, Robert Rhoads was a member of the Federated Church in Carlinville; he also served as Commodore of the Macoupin Station Yacht Club; and

WHEREAS, Robert Rhoads was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou, and his brother, Sam Rhoads; and

WHEREAS, Robert Rhoads is survived by his son, Kurt Rhoads; his daughter, Robyn Stone; his granddaughter, Sydni Stone; his niece and nephew; and his sister-in-law, Joanne Rhoads; 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 Robert J. Rhoads; and be it further

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