SR0691 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0691 LRB103 36621 LAW 66730 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Joseph McKinley "Joe" Wars of Elgin, who passed away on December 13, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Joe Wars was born to Arthur Joseph and Fannie Jackson Wars in Charlottesville, Virginia on May 13, 1942; he was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church on West Main Street in Charlottesville; he graduated from Carver High School in Newport News, Virginia and attended Virginia State University; and

WHEREAS, Joe Wars had an illustrious sales career, starting with Sears & Roebuck in the late 1960s and continuing with Mattel Toys, Ferry Morris Seed Company, and Ron Hopkins Ford; in 1976, he was transferred by the Ferry Morris Seed Company from Roanoke, Virginia to Elgin, Illinois, where he served as district manager; he received numerous awards from the Ferry Morris Seed Company as well as his other employers; and

WHEREAS, Joe Wars was dedicated to serving his community wherever he resided; he was a past president of the national chapter of the Black Jaycees while living in Roanoke, Virginia, and he became a lifetime member of the local chapter in Elgin; he chaired the City of Elgin's Dr. King Annual Food Drive since its inception in 2011; he served on the board of directors for the Elgin Boys and Girls Club and also belonged to the Elgin Human Relations Commission and the Elgin Image and Advisory Committee; and

WHEREAS, Joe Wars especially enjoyed celebrating and volunteering at Christmas; for many years, he donned a Santa suit, and he and his daughter, Stephanie, who served as his elf helper, distributed toys to children in the hospital; he also helped deliver gifts from the Salvation Army to area families; and

WHEREAS, For his volunteerism, Joe Wars received Elgin's Dr. King Legacy Award in 2017 and was named the honorary chairperson of the city's 2023 Crop Walk; and

WHEREAS, Joe Wars was known for his warm and welcoming personality; he will be remembered for his legacy of helping others; and

WHEREAS, Joe Wars was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Francis Jerome and Anthony Wendell Wars; and his aunt and uncle, Rosalee and Lawrence Keyes; and

WHEREAS, Joe Wars is survived by his wife of 59 Years, Jeannette Davis Wars; his daughter, Stephanie (Martin) Wars-Williams; his grandchildren, Marissa, Ryan, and Taylor; his great-granddaughter, Olivia; his brother, Arthur Wars; his sister, Camilla (William) Wars Mitchell; his nieces, Chekisha and Yoma; his special cousins, Pauletta and Lawrence; and a host of other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Joseph McKinley "Joe" Wars 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 Joe Wars as an expression of our deepest sympathy.