SR1124 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1124 LRB096 24665 GRL 44614 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Russell F. "Pat" Patterson, who passed away on December 19, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Russell Patterson was born on July 8, 1919, in Alton; he was the son of Russell and Nora Chappell Patterson; he married Lois Pauline "Polly" George of Dardanelle, Arkansas, in Alton on Easter Sunday in 1943; and

WHEREAS, Russell Patterson was a graduate of Alton High School; he subsequently attended Shurtleff College (Southern Illinois University); and

WHEREAS, Russell Patterson served his country with pride and distinction as a member of the 3rd Armored Division during World War II; during his stint with the Army, he took part in the invasion of Normandy, the subsequent advance through France, and the attack on the Rhineland; while on a reconnaissance mission in March of 1945 near Paderborn, Germany, he was wounded in action and captured by German forces; he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, among many other military decorations, for his meritorious service; and

WHEREAS, After returning from his service in the Army, Russell Patterson was employed as an electrician for Standard Oil in Wood River; and

WHEREAS, Russell Patterson was active in Alton sports as a member of the city softball league and was an avid golfer with his wife; he was also a lifelong member of the Cherry Street Baptist Church and sang with the Light Opera Guild of St. Louis for several years; and

WHEREAS, Russell Patterson was preceded in death by his wife; his daughter, Barbara Schrimpf; and his brothers, Kenneth, George, and Harold; and

WHEREAS, Russell Patterson is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra Moyer and her husband, Barry, and Jane VanWinkle and her husband, David; his grandchildren, Susan Marie (Schrimpf) Hatfield, Matthew William Schrimpf, Sarah Ann (Moyer) Sanders, Lindsay Nicole (Parrish) Jones, and Megan Elise (Moyer) Baiter; his great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary (Patterson) Griffin; and his dedicated caregiver and loving friend, Pam Tite; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Russell F. "Pat" Patterson; and be it further

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