SR1549 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1549 LRB101 22893 LAW 73984 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Richard Hugh "Dick" Worthen of Godfrey, who passed away on May 16, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Dick Worthen was born to Hugh O. and Dorothy (Raines) Worthen on August 21, 1942; he was a lifelong resident of Wood River and Alton; he attended Wood River High School; he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Polical Science from Illinois State University; he married Mary Sherrill Anderson in Helmar on January 28, 1967; and

WHEREAS, Dick Worthen taught History and Government courses at the high school and community college level; he was employed as a salesman by Sears in Alton for many years; and

WHEREAS, Dick Worthen led an active life of public service in local and state politics; he served as a legislative intern with the Illinois State Legislature in Springfield, as an Alton Precinct Committeeman, and on the Madison County Board for over 20 years; after retiring from the board, he served as the Madison County Storm Water Coordinator; and

WHEREAS, Dick Worthen was committed to his faith and volunteering; he grew up in the Wood River First United Methodist Church and later became an active member at Main Street United Methodist Church in Alton; he served as a certified UMC lay leader and speaker; he also sang in the choir; he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and the Wisconsin Volunteers in Mission group; he served as a SCORE mentor to young people going into the business world; and

WHEREAS, Dick Worthen enjoyed music; he played in many bands throughout high school and college; he played trombone and baritone with the Dixie Dudes Dixieland Band and the New Horizons Band; he thoroughly enjoyed playing FDR in the Alton Little Theatre production of Annie; and

WHEREAS, Dick Worthen loved the outdoors, camping, and hiking; he was an environmental advocate and was instrumental in bringing the recycling program to Madison County; he was a founding member of The Nature Institute in Godfrey and an active member of the Sierra Club locally, statewide, and nationally; and

WHEREAS, Dick Worthen was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Dick Worthen is survived by his wife, Sherrill; his son, Gregory (JulieAnn); his daughter, Julie Van Voorhis (Matthew); his two grandchildren, Jonathan Hugh Worthen and Garrison Hugh Worthen; his siblings, Marcia Harmon (Dan), Gary Worthen (Leslie), and Diana Worthen; his brother-in-law, James Anderson (Vicki); his nieces, Jennifer Battiste (Bill) and Amanda Hintergardt; and his nephews, Eric Anderson (Brittany), Matthew Harmon (Jane), and Geoffrey Worthen (Jeanne); 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 Richard Hugh "Dick" Worthen 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 Dick Worthen as an expression of our deepest sympathy.