SR0394 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0394 LRB103 33082 LAW 62889 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert K. "Bob" Cowles of Springfield, who passed away on May 26, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Bob Cowles was born to William D. and Eloise Cowles in Springfield on November 5, 1947; he graduated from Feitshans High School in 1965; he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1966 through 1969, during which he was stationed with the 11th Light Infantry Brigade of the Americal Division in Vietnam in 1968 and obtained the rank of staff sergeant; his military decorations included the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart; he married Shirley Calhoun in 1970; he graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1974; and

WHEREAS, Bob Cowles was a licensed professional engineer, working in state government and private practice; he retired in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Bob Cowles was a member of St. Agnes Church, St. Paul's Lodge No. 500, Valley of Springfield, and Ansar Shrine; he was a past commander of Hayes/Krell Chapter 159 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and a past senior vice commander of VFW LaFore Lock Post 755; he was also a member of the Lake Press Club and the Springfield Ski Club; additionally, he served as a referee for high school and competitive soccer for many years; and

WHEREAS, Bob Cowles possessed a heart of gold, often either volunteering or donating to charitable causes, and he was known for always lending a helping hand to veterans and friends; and

WHEREAS, Bob Cowles was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, William J. Cowles and John Cowles; and his sister, Bonnie Cowles; and

WHEREAS, Bob Cowles is survived by his wife, Shirley; his sons, Jason (Kendra) Cowles and Jamie (Rachael) Cowles; his grandsons, Cullen, Cooper, and Loden Cowles; his granddaughter, Clara Cowles; and several nieces and nephews; 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 Robert K. "Bob" Cowles 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 Bob Cowles as an expression of our deepest sympathy.