SR1531 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of William Earl Head of Rantoul, who passed away on January 29, 2016; and

WHEREAS, William Head was born on April 19, 1921 in New Haven, Kentucky; his parents were Joseph Harry Head and Susan Mabel Bowling; and

WHEREAS, William Head graduated from St. Catherine of Alexandria Academy in New Haven, Kentucky before signing up for active duty in the Army Air Corps in November of 1942; following the completion of B-24 aerial gunnery and mechanics schools, he was assigned to the 38th Bomber Squadron, 7th Air Force for service in the Central Pacific, the Eastern Mandates, the Western Pacific, and the Air Offensive of Japan; and

WHEREAS, After the completion of his highly decorated military career, William Head was discharged and became a bomber hydraulics instructor at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul; in the late 1940s, he began working for Rogers Chevrolet and worked primarily in the parts and service departments; he subsequently ran the ENCO station, bulk plant, and body shop for Rogers Chevrolet, closing out his 38-year career with his retirement in 1984; and

WHEREAS, William Head was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ruth (nee Johnson) Head; his daughter, Sandra Soucie; his 3 brothers; and his 4 sisters; and

WHEREAS, William Head is survived by his sons, William Jerry (Lynn) Head, Joe (Pamela) Head, and John (Valerie) Head; his daughters, Bonnie (Asa) Bottom and Tamara Evans; his 15 grandchildren; his 20 great-grandchildren; and his brother, John Martin (Joy) Head; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of William Earl Head; and be it further

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