SR1190 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1190 LRB098 21066 MST 58809 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert John Towers of Oak Brook, who passed away on April 6, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Robert Towers was born in Peoria on April 21, 1930 to John Lockhart and Nellie Grace (nee Henry) Towers; at the age of 5, his family settled in Springfield; he earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1952, where he was an ROTC-Bronze Tablet recipient and a member of the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity; he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as an F86 fighter pilot; following his service, he earned his Master of Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois; he married Marjorie Jean Zeglin on July 13, 1957; and

WHEREAS, Robert Towers spent the majority of his career with the Armco Steel Corporation and finished with Chemical Waste Management; and

WHEREAS, Robert Towers served as President of the National Society of Professional Engineers, President of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, President of the University of Illinois Civil Engineering Alumni Association, President of the District 53 school board, and served on the Executive Citizen's Council that provided incite and guidance in the development of the Oak Brook Park District; and

WHEREAS, Robert Towers was a 44-year member of Christ Church of Oak Brook, where he served as an elder and head usher; he was an avid Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Cardinals fan, as well as a life-long Fighting Illini fan; he enjoyed gardening and was known for his raspberry pies; he coached many youth sports teams and served as a Cub and Boy Scouts leader; he was an active member of the Indian Prairie Genealogy Group and served at the local food pantry; he and his wife enjoyed traveling the world and had visited all 50 states; and

WHEREAS, Robert Towers was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; his parents; and his sister, Patricia Flesher; and

WHEREAS, Robert Towers is survived by his 3 children, John (Sandra) Towers, Tom (Nancy) Towers, and Leigh (Steve) Barczi; 8 grandchildren, Courtney (Grant) Hannah, Katie Towers, Jack Towers, Marly Towers, Ben Towers, Natalie Barczi, Stephen Barczi, and Amelia Barczi; his great-grandchild, Hudson Hannah; his brother-in-law; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert John Towers, 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 Robert Towers as an expression of our deepest sympathy.