SR1061 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1061 LRB100 15450 ALS 30452 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Thomas M. Burrus of Arenzville, who passed away on October 28, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Tom Burrus was born in Jacksonville to Martin Gayle and Jeanette (Sullivan) Burrus on July 13, 1949; he graduated from Illinois College in 1971; he married Marcy Bramley at the First Presbyterian Church in Divernon on February 2, 1969; and

WHEREAS, Tom Burrus spent his career at Burrus Seed, Inc., where he began working after his graduation from college; he was currently serving as President of Burrus Brothers & Associated Growers; and

WHEREAS, Tom Burrus was actively involved in his local community, as well as the seed industry; he served on several boards, including two terms as a Board Member and former President of Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA), Illinois Crop Improvement Association, and Illinois Foundation Seed, Inc., of which he was also Board Chairman for six years; additionally, he served two terms on the Passavant Area Hospital Board of Directors, a five-year term as an Illinois College Alumni Trustee, and a Trustee for the Gamma Nu Literary Society; he was a commissioner of the Coon Run Drainage District; he also served in many capacities at the Arenzville United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Tom Burrus was recognized for his dedication to the independent seed industry and received numerous accolades, including the 2010 IPSA Industry Service Award, an Honorary Life Member Award from the Illinois Seed Trade Association, and induction into the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Industry Hall of Fame; he was also an ardent supporter of his alma mater, Illinois College; Tom, along with Marcy, was named the 2016 Illinois College Homecoming Parade Marshall; he also received the Young Alumni Award from the college in 1988; and

WHEREAS, Tom Burrus lived his life with enthusiasm and encouraged all; he loved conversation and had a genuine interest in others; his compassion was apparent to family, friends, employees, and even new acquaintances; his life was exemplified by his strident support and unwavering advocacy of the independent seed industry and the farmers they served; Tom was known for putting the needs of the farmers first, and he truly believed in the value of service and integrity; his passion for the seed business was infectious; he will leave an indelible mark on the industry that he loved; and

WHEREAS, Tom Burrus was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Rebecca Oliver; and

WHEREAS, Tom Burrus is survived by his wife, Marcy; his daughters, Lori (Tim) Greene and Gail (Chad) Mitchell; his grandchildren, Griffin Greene, Gannon Greene, Taylor Mitchell, and Pete Mitchell; his brother, Todd (Deb) Burrus; and his many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Thomas M. Burrus 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 Tom Burrus as an expression of our deepest sympathy.