SR0822 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Harold Gene "Sparky" Songer of Danville, who passed away on January 12, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Harold Songer was born on March 4, 1925 in Veedersburg, Indiana; his parents were Glenwood and Elsie (nee Clawson) Songer; he married Eloise Cooper on January 9, 1955; and

WHEREAS, Harold Songer attended Veedersburg Grade School and High School; he subsequently attended Eastern Illinois University, where he earned his bachelor's degree; and

WHEREAS, Harold Songer was drafted into the United States Army in July of 1943; he fought at the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes Forest as a mortarman in the 106th Infantry Division, where he was captured and remained a captive in Germany until his escape in 1945; in 1951, he re-enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts as flight support; for his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star; and

WHEREAS, Harold Songer served as coordinator of Veterans Affairs at Danville Area Community College from 1979 to 1994; and

WHEREAS, Harold Songer was a longtime and charter member of the Danville Sunrise Rotary Club, where he served as sergeant of arms for many years; he was the 68th AMBUCS First Citizen in April of 2000; he led a group of local veterans who collected tens of thousands of aluminum cans to raise money to build the various memorials in Danville and led the effort to turn the old Carnegie Library into the Vermilion County War Museum, where he later served as president and director; he was awarded the Studs Terkel Award in 2004 for his service; and

WHEREAS, Harold Songer was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Eloise; his brothers, James and Leroy Songer; and his sister, Wanda Kester; and

WHEREAS, Harold Songer is survived by his son, Aaron (Lisa) Songer; his daughter, Michele (Brian Bonebrake) Songer; his grandchildren, Brandon Bays, Ashley Songer, Taylor Songer, Samantha Songer, Seth Bonebrake, and Cade Bonebrake; his 4 great-grandchildren; his sister, Julia Crane; and his cat, Hemingway; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Harold Gene "Sparky" Songer; and be it further

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