SR0596 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0596 LRB098 14176 MST 48767 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Harrison "Gene" Willis of Vernon Hills, who passed away on September 28, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Harrison Willis was born in Ellington, Missouri to George and Grace Willis; he was a World War II veteran and participated in the "Battle of the Bulge" with the 87th Infantry, Golden Acorn Division; and

WHEREAS, Harrison Willis retired from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center as a Chief Crane Operator; he was also a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer in the Naval Reserves; and

WHEREAS, Harrison Willis enjoyed restoring and painting automobiles and was the former Secretary/Treasurer of the Lake County Corvette Club; he also had a passion for painting and signing; and

WHEREAS, Harrison Willis was preceded in death by his first wife, Georgia (nee Shelby) Willis; his second wife, Katherine (nee Corzine) Willis; his parents; and his siblings, Lois, Hazel, Volley, Lewis, and Shirley; and

WHEREAS, Harrison Willis is survived by his children, Joyce (Michael) Wade, Rita (James) Bero, and Steven (Billie Jean) Willis; his grandchildren, Brent (Cynthia) Wade, Eddie (Mindy) Plante, Carson (Brian) Gasner, Dawn Wilkenson, Crystal Willis, Melissa (Joe) Wilkenson-Morzuch, and Shelby (Aaron) Gustman; his 11 great-grandchildren; and many 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 Harrison "Gene" Willis 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 will be presented to the family of Harrison Willis as an expression of our deepest sympathy.