SR0545 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0545 LRB101 12920 ALS 61755 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Kermit L. Harden Jr. of Urbana, who passed away on June 19, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Kermit Harden Jr. was born in Maquon to Hazel (Martin) and Kermit A. Harden Sr. on October 26, 1924; he graduated from Fairview High School and began undergraduate studies in mathematics at the University of Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Education in 1945; he received his master's degree in education from Bradley University in 1952; he married Harriet Ann Harden on June 6, 1959; he earned his doctorate in education from the University of Illinois in 1972; and

WHEREAS, Kermit Harden Jr. was a decorated veteran of World War II; he served in the 94th Infantry Division and received four Battle Stars, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe; his company was captured by the Germans in October 1944, and he was held as a Prisoner of War for 45 days before being included in the first prisoner exchange of the war; he returned to active combat and received the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action in Germany, the Bronze Star at the Battle of the Bulge, and the Purple Heart in Northern France; for his service to the people of France, he was awarded the Order of the Legion d'Honneur by the French Government; and

WHEREAS, Kermit Harden Jr. began his career in education as a math teacher in Havana; he served as the assistant principal of the American School in Paris, France before returning to Illinois to become assistant superintendent and later superintendent of Bethalto Community Schools; in 1968, he became assistant superintendent of Urbana schools and later served as superintendent from 1975 until 1983; after his retirement, he served as interim superintendent for many Central Illinois school districts and as a visiting professor of education at the University of Illinois; during retirement, he also worked as a licensed tax preparer and instructor for H&R Block for 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Kermit Harden Jr. was a tireless community volunteer; he was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, where he served as a trustee, Deacon, Session member, and Clerk of the Session; he was a two-time president of the Rotary Club of Bethalto and Urbana and served the Urbana club as secretary for 23 years; in 2013, he was named Rotarian of the Year; a generous contributor of time and money to worthy causes, he served as a board member for the Prairie Lands Boy Scout Council, the United Way, the Champaign County Board, and the March of Dimes; he was president of the Reading Group for nine years and chairman of the local Red Cross; he served as president, secretary, and treasurer of the Urbana Free Library Board and was co-chairman, along with his wife, in the capital campaign to raise funds for the library's expansion in 2005; and

WHEREAS, Kermit Harden Jr. was a loyal Illini fan and a 5-year season ticket holder for both basketball and football; he served as president of the University of Illinois Alumni Board; he was a past president of the College of Education Alumni Board and a member of the President's Council of the U of I Foundation; he was a volunteer track and field official for 20 years and a longtime member of the Illini Rebounders and Quarterback Clubs; he was a supporter of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts through the Symphony Guild and enjoyed their many operatic and theatrical productions; he was a gourmet cook and an avid vegetable gardener and enjoyed gifting his produce to friends and family; in his spare time, he enjoyed traveling to Europe, attending Illini post-season sporting events, and spoiling his grandchildren; he will be remembered for the strength of his character and his great sense of humor; and

WHEREAS, Kermit Harden Jr. was preceded in death by his siblings, Eldon (Dorothy) Harden, Gordon Harden, Norma Mae Harden, and Margaret Ann (George) Van Houten; and his grandchild, Paige Elizabeth Lunsford; and

WHEREAS, Kermit Harden Jr. is survived by his wife of 60 years, Harriett Ann Steinrauf Harden; his son, J. Andrew (Jackie) Harden; his daughter, Elizabeth Anne (Terry) Lunsford; and his five grandchildren; 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 Kermit L. Harden Jr. 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 Kermit Harden Jr. as an expression of our deepest sympathy.