SR0952 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0952 LRB103 40400 ECR 72703 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Harold L. "Lee" Milner of Springfield, who passed away on April 17, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Lee Milner was born to Shirley and Dorena (Burkett) Milner in Breese on February 25, 1946; he graduated from Bridgeport High School in Lawrence County; he received a bachelor's degree in communications from Southern Illinois University Carbondale; he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army in 1968; he later earned a master's degree in public affairs from Sangamon State University; he married Cynthia Young in Springfield on November 30, 1974; and

WHEREAS, Lee Milner worked as a photojournalist for the Effingham Daily News, a clerk and photojournalist for the U.S. Army, a pathologist's photographer at Memorial Health in Springfield, a legislative coordinator in Washington, D.C., an assistant press secretary for State Representative Bill Redmond, a photographer for former Governor Patrick Quinn, and as the director of communications at the Illinois State Board of Education; after retiring, he continued to volunteer as a freelance photojournalist; and

WHEREAS, Lee Milner served as president of the FBI Springfield Citizens Academy; he became the namesake of an award of excellence by the FBI Springfield Citizens Academy Alumni Association; and

WHEREAS, Lee Milner's life and career were the focus of a feature story in the Illinois Times on March 28, 2024; he was further honored by the City of Springfield proclaiming March 28, 2024 as Lee Milner Day, Governor JB Pritzker proclaiming April 10, 2024 as Lee Milner Day, and Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch recognizing his work in a resolution delivered on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, Lee Milner was beloved across the political spectrum due to his ability to connect with anyone through his camera lens; he was always willing to help others and will be remembered for his kindness; and

WHEREAS, Lee Milner was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Lee Milner is survived by his wife, Cynthia "Cindy" Milner; his children, Leanne Milner and James Milner; his grandchild, Clayton Sappington; his siblings, Burkett (Beverly) Milner, Sandra (Rick) Babington, Darrell (Sue) Milner, and Debbie Edwards; 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 Harold L. "Lee" Milner 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 Lee Milner as an expression of our deepest sympathy.