SR0462 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0462 LRB094 14669 MKM 49622 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of Gerald E. "Gene" Zimmerman of Cottage Hills on October 5, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Gene Zimmerman was born on September 19, 1919 in Nameoki Township to Edward H. and Bessie M. Ratley; he married Mary Sue Smith on October 18, 1952 in Wood River; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Zimmerman graduated from Alton High School in 1937; he retired as manager of the Credit Bureau of Alton after 25 years of service; he was later employed by the First National Bank of Wood River; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Zimmerman served his country honorably; he served 45 months in the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II and 28 months in the China-Burma-India Theatre of Operations; he was discharged on December 9, 1945; he received the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Medal with two Bronze Stars; he later received the China War Memorial Medal issued by the Chinese government to allied forces who served in either China or Burma in appreciation for their efforts in freeing China from the Japanese Empire during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Zimmerman was a lifetime member of Alton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1308, Alton American Legion Post 126, and the China-Burma-India Veterans Association; he was past commander of the Alton American Legion and the St. Louis Basha of the China-Burma-India Veterans Association; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Zimmerman was a dedicated community servant; he was a well-known member of the Wood River Lions Club since 1963; he was a past president of the Wood River Lions Club and received the prestigious Melvin Jones Award, the Lions of Illinois Foundation Award, and the local G. O. DeAtley Award; he was president of the Associated Credit Bureau of Illinois; he was also a 50-year member of Whitelaw Avenue Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Gerald E. "Gene" Zimmerman has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Mary Sue; his daughter and son-in-law, Karen R. and David Mallory; his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin E. and Tina Zimmerman; his son David K. Zimmerman; his adopted daughter, Megan Tooley; his grandchildren, Brian, Kimberly, and Kelly Mallory and Kyle Zimmerman; and his step-grandson, Ryan Thomas; and many other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Gerald E. "Gene" Zimmerman, and we 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 his family as an expression of our deepest sympathy.