SR0548 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0548 LRB095 19721 GRL 46086 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of G. Phil Heckel of Carterville, who passed away on January 28, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Phil Heckel was born on June 25, 1914 in Carterville; his parents were A.G. and Linda (Alford) Heckel; he married Ruth Stefanoff on August 8, 1939 in Belleville; and

WHEREAS, Phil Heckel attended college at Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Phil Heckel honorably served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, serving as a 1st class aviation storekeeper aboard the U.S.S. Fortune; and

WHEREAS, Phil Heckel owned and operated Heckel's Department Store for over 50 years; he was owner of the Crab Orchard Golf Club, which he operated with his son, Steve; he also served on the board and was past president of Carterville State and Savings Bank for over 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Phil Heckel was a 50-year member and past president of the Carterville Lions Club; he also served on the Williamson County Airport Authority Board for 24 years; and

WHEREAS, Phil Heckel was a staunch supporter of the Carterville School system, John A. Logan College, and Southern Illinois University; he also served on the Carterville School Board and was integral in getting John A. Logan College established in Carterville; and

WHEREAS, Phil Heckel was a member of the Carterville Presbyterian Church; and

WHEREAS, Phil Heckel was an avid golfer; and

WHEREAS, Phil Heckel was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Alford, Charles, and Eugene; and

WHEREAS, Phil Heckel is survived by his wife, Ruth; his son, Stephen and life companion, Jura Perkins; his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Bob Coffield; his grandchildren, Matt and Tammy Heckel, Laura and Rob Reynolds, Amy Coffield and fiancé, Doug Owens, and Phillip Heckel; and his great-grandchildren, Hannah, Jonathan, and Kate Heckel and Amanda, Emily, and Sarah Reynolds; and

WHEREAS, Phil Heckel will be remembered by all who knew and loved him as a wonderful person whose zest for life, positive attitude, and giving spirit endeared him to everyone he knew; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of G. Phil Heckel; and be it further

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