SR1265 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1265 LRB101 21588 MST 72516 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Gary Anthony Knight of Springfield, who passed away on May 24, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Gary Knight grew up in the oil fields of Brownstown and attended a one-room schoolhouse; at 17, he and his brother joined the U.S. Army; he served in Germany from 1961 to 1963 and saw the Berlin Wall constructed; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Lincoln Christian College, Gary Knight ministered in two parishes before choosing to serve the State of Illinois as a state police officer from 1969 to 1993; he worked as a trooper and as executive security for Gov. Dan Walker; then, while earning a master's degree at Illinois State University, he joined the Division of Forensic Services as a crime scene investigator; he solved many famous murders and criminal cases before retiring as assistant bureau chief of crime scene; and

WHEREAS, Gary Knight's life was marked by laughter, love, and faith; he was a consummate jokester and brought levity to almost any situation; the few things he did take seriously were his friends, family, and faith; he counted baptizing several of his fellow troopers as one of his greatest accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Gary Knight was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Ruth (Bullard) Knight; his brother, Vic Knight (Sue); and his sister, Linda Thomas (Ronald); and

WHEREAS, Gary Knight is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marcia (Petersen) Knight; his sons, Christopher (Will) and Joshua (Desire); his daughters, Kimberly (Mike Humphrey) and Kimberlee; his great-nephews, John and Lee Blocks; and his grandchildren, Seth and Chloee Knight, Taylor and Gillian Humphrey, and Winston and Haddon Knight; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Gary Anthony Knight 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 Gary Knight as an expression of our deepest sympathy.