SR1201 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1201 LRB098 21316 MST 59540 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to recognize the life of Otis J. Neal of Paris, who passed away on May 18, 1968; and

WHEREAS, Otis Neal first served his country in 1916 during the Mexican Border Expedition, then in World War I, where he fought in the battles of Lorraine and Aisne, and again in World War II, where he served in the European Theater and Northern Africa; and

WHEREAS, Otis Neal was born in Pleasureville, Kentucky on October 11, 1898 to James Henry and Elizabeth (nee Coleman) Neal, but moved with his family to Paris at a young age, and he would remain a resident the rest of his life; he married Mary Jean England; and

WHEREAS, Otis Neal's descendants include a daughter, Sandra Neal Darby; 2 granddaughters, Deedra Darby Jones and Chastity Darby Arrasmith; and 3 great-grandchildren, Jordan Arrasmith, Mekenzie Arrasmith, and Jada Jones; and

WHEREAS, At the time of Otis Neal's passing, he was survived by a sister, Hattie Mae Thomas; he was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 2 sisters; and

WHEREAS, Otis Neal was a member of the local American Legion post, where he proudly served as a member of the Honor Guard; he was affiliated with Grace AME Church; and

WHEREAS, Until recently, the grave of Otis Neal has been obscure and was not befitting of his dedication and accomplishments as a soldier in the 8th Illinois National Guard - a unit comprised of African-American soldiers; on May 24, 2014 he will be the focus of a military tribute at Edgar Cemetery in Paris where a new monument will be unveiled in his honor; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the life of Otis J. Neal and honor his service to his country; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Otis Neal in honor of his service.