SR0926 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0926 LRB100 14532 ALS 29321 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Jon Clark Baxter of Decatur, who passed away on September 11, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Jon Baxter was born in Goshen, Indiana to Dr. Edgar and Mrs. Neola Baxter on May 3, 1940; he graduated from Goshen High School in 1958 and earned a Bachelor of Science in History from Indiana University in 1962; he continued to study at Indiana University and earned a Juris Doctor in 1967; and

WHEREAS, Jon Baxter began his practice of law in the probate department of a Chicago bank; he then joined the State's Attorney's Office in Macon County and began a career in criminal law that spanned over 40 years; he left the position of First Assistant at the State's Attorney's Office and went into private practice as a criminal defense attorney and part-time public defender; he became the chief public defender and spent six years working tirelessly to gain much-needed resources for the office; his efforts earned him a commendation for promoting equitable compensation for the Public Defenders of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Jon Baxter retired from private practice and the Public Defender's Office in 2008; he was them appointed to the Macon County Board; he successfully ran for re-election several times and remained a member of the board; he served on both the finance and justice committees until his death; and

WHEREAS, Jon Baxter enjoyed classical music; he was a voracious reader, a longtime runner, and a member of the YMCA; he was a tireless cheerleader for Indiana basketball and football; he was the man with the big laugh; and

WHEREAS, Jon Baxter was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Jon Baxter is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Linda; his son Jon (Rachel) Baxter; his daughters, Laura (Brian) Hawkins and Jennifer Haseley; his grandsons, Reid and Ross Anderson, Ethan Baxter, Jackson Hawkins, Adam Baxter, Ryan Pierce, and Jensen Hawkins; his brother, Tom Baxter; his niece, Maria Baxter; and his nephew, Jack Baxter; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Jon Clark Baxter, and we 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 Jon Baxter as an expression of our deepest sympathy.