SR2259 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Clifton E. "Gene" Black of Taylorville, who passed away on September 27, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Clifton Black was born on August 25, 1931 in Haleyville, Alabama; his parents were William Isaac and Grace Black; he married Carol Mathon on June 5, 1955 in Taylorville; and

WHEREAS, Clifton Black was a veteran of the United States Army and was stationed in Germany; and

WHEREAS, As a young man, Clifton Black was a broadcast engineer for WTIM in Taylorville and WMAY in Springfield and a television repairman at Higgason TV and Appliance; and

WHEREAS, Clifton Black and his wife spent many hours remodeling houses for his children and grandchildren, which taught them the value of hard work and dedication; in his later years, he became the project manager of house remodeling and new construction builds, watching his family follow in his footsteps; and

WHEREAS, Clifton Black was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed watching them win their 100th game this season; he also enjoyed spending time with his family; and

WHEREAS, Clifton Black was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and one sister; and

WHEREAS, Clifton Black is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol Black; his children, Susan (George) Calvert, Jane Griffith, Doug (Carla) Black, Lisa (Dan) Nieves, and Lori Smothers; his grandchildren, Amy (Ben) Winans, Aaron (fiancee Malissa) Calvert, Keri (Lee) Mateer, Kati Griffith, Ryne Griffith, Blake Thomas, Connor Black, Jodi (Aaron) Acree, Cassidy Nieves, Reagan Nieves, Adan Nieves, Livia Nieves, Jesse (Kayla) Smothers, and Jacob Smothers; his great-grandchildren, Eric, Travis, and Lilly Winans, Ellee, Emlyn, Eileen, and Eloise Mateer, Carter Thomas, Jayden, Adalyn, and Amelia Acree, and Ryker and Hadley Smothers; his sisters, Marie Marbutt, Faye (Leon) Patterson, and Joan (Jerry) Pinta; and many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Clifton E. "Gene" Black; and be it further

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