Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of SR0476

SR0476 LRB104 15898 LAW 29125 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ray George Barnes, who passed away on September 13, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Ray Barnes was born to John "Scotty" Barnes and Marian (Weyhrich) Gould in Green Valley on November 19, 1938; he was a member of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC); he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve in December 1958, and he was discharged as a lieutenant in June 1964; he married Jeanine Beasley in Dallas, Texas on January 9, 1960; he then married Joyce (Endicott) Cox in Peoria on December 31, 1976; and

WHEREAS, Ray Barnes transitioned into civilian life in December 1963, becoming employed in the Information Services General Offices for Caterpillar Tractor Co.; he progressed through several staff and managerial assignments to his final position as manager of Database and Teleprocessing Support; after 33 years, he retired from Caterpillar Inc. in November 1996; during this time, he received his bachelor's degree in business administration and management from Bradley University in May 1976; and

WHEREAS, Ray Barnes continued his service in the Air National Guard from 1964 to 1982, retiring as a lieutenant colonel, and the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1982 to 1990, retiring as a colonel; he held a number of positions throughout his military career, including serving as squadron commander of the 182nd Direct Air Support Center (DASC) Squadron and the 169th Tactical Air Support Squadron, director of DASC, an officer of Air Force Operations, and detachment commander of Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD) Reserve Program New York and ASD Reserve Program Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Ray Barnes held the aeronautical rating of command pilot, having accumulated nearly 3,000 flying hours in the A4C Skyhawk, F84, 02A, and 0A37 aircraft; he was named the first centurion on the USS Kitty Hawk for being the first pilot to have 100 successful jet landings or "traps"; his military decorations and awards included the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal; and

WHEREAS, Ray Barnes was a man of deep faith, and he possessed a steadfast love for his church, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pekin, which he was always eager to assist wherever he was needed, from treasurer to trustee; he was a passionate student of the Bible and lived out his faith with humility and dedication; and

WHEREAS, Ray Barnes was devoted to his family, and he set an extraordinary example of love, selflessness, and wisdom; he always put the needs of others before his own, providing his children and grandchildren with quiet strength and unwavering care; he was the steady voice of reason and encouragement, and his presence will continue to guide and comfort his family for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, Ray Barnes was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Roy (Joyce) Barnes and Harry Barnes; and

WHEREAS, Ray Barnes is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joyce Barnes; his children, Rhett (Mary) Barnes, Tyler (Misty) Barnes, Chad (Nancy) Barnes, Darren (Tamra) Barnes, and Danielle (Ben Fister) Barnes; his stepchildren, Lesa (Kevin) Little and Deanna (Mike) McCafferty; his brothers, Rex (Beverly) Gould and Ross (Diane) Gould; 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Ray George Barnes 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 Ray Barnes as an expression of our deepest sympathy.