SR0487 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0487 LRB103 34468 ECR 64298 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Eugene F. "Gene" Smith of Pekin, who passed away on September 12, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Gene Smith was born to Alexander and Catherine (Kittner) Smith in Honesdale, Pennsylvania on May 8, 1940; he graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science; he served in the U.S. Air Force; he married the love of his life, Ingrid Smith, in Germany on July 29, 1961; and

WHEREAS, Gene Smith worked as a supervisor for Caterpillar for 35 years, retiring in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Gene Smith was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin and was a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus; he volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul Society Food Bank and at Pekin Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Gene Smith enjoyed gardening, collecting pedal cars, running, and hiking; he ran in five marathons and hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Grand Canyon; he treasured his family and was a proud grandpa; and

WHEREAS, Gene Smith was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Jimmy Smith, Leo Smith, and Glen David Smith; and

WHEREAS, Gene Smith is survived by his wife; his son, Rodney Smith; his daughter, Brenda (Floyd) Akins; his grandchildren, Gabriel, Nina, and Tyler; his brothers, Wayne and Alex Smith; and his sister, Kathleen Dougher; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Eugene F. "Gene" Smith and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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