SR0758 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0758 LRB098 15115 MST 50087 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Laverne S. "Bitz" Brown of Joliet, who passed away on November 9, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Laverne Brown was born in Joliet on April 19, 1924 to Seward and Florence (nee Wilhelmi) Brown; he graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1942, Northwestern University, and was awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of St. Francis in Joliet; he served his country in the United States Navy during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Laverne Brown, along with his good friend, Paul Lambrecht, founded Brown and Lambrecht Earthmovers; he served as Director of Amerifed Savings Bank; and

WHEREAS, Laverne Brown was Trustee of the Operating Engineers Pension Fund, Trustee Emeritus of the University of St. Francis, and a member of the Lewis University President's Council, the Rotary Club of Joliet, the Joliet Country Club, and the Old Marsh Golf Club; he was also an Associate of the Joliet Franciscans; and

WHEREAS, Laverne Brown was the recipient of many civic and charitable awards for his dedicated service and thoughtful generosity; he was a skilled pilot, world traveler, avid sportsman, and enthusiastic card player; and

WHEREAS, Laverne Brown was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Wayne Brown; his mother and father-in-law, Frank and Rose Maxwell; his sister-in-law, Lorriane Bily; his brother-in-law, Frank Maxwell; and his niece, Marybeth Dopudja; and

WHEREAS, Laverne Brown is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy Maxwell Brown; his sisters-in-law, Joan (the late Laverne "Chip") Vollmer and Betty Maxwell; his brother-in-law, James (Mary) Bily; his nephews, James (Emi) Brown, Jim (Linda) Bily, Tim (Nadine) Bily, Mike (Christy) Bily, Patrick (Julie) Bily, Mark (Jan) Maxwell, and Michael (Janine) Vollmer; his nieces, Candy (Mike) Wagner, Cindy (Jeff) Bily, Marcia Maxwell, Sharon (Jack) Tweedle, and Susan (John) Reed; his cousins; his great-nieces and nephews; his faithful cousin, Marlene Walker; and many dear friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Laverne S. "Bitz" Brown, 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 Laverne Brown as an expression of our deepest sympathy.