HR0633 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0633 LRB102 23441 MST 32612 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Gene Alexander; and

WHEREAS, Gene Alexander, known to all as "Mr. A", was a lifelong resident of Benton, where he spent decades positively impacting the lives of thousands of young Southern Illinoisans as a teacher, principal, coach, and mentor; and

WHEREAS, Gene Alexander served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956; and

WHEREAS, Gene Alexander touched many lives through his giving spirit and compassion for others; he filled the needs of young people and adults alike with his scholarships and daily trips to provide for the food pantry as well as his support of fundraisers, youth activities, church, and school; and

WHEREAS, In addition to giving financially to others, Gene Alexander inspired young people and made memories for others by sharing a quarter if they said "Say no to drugs"; his question, "Are you huggable" always preceded his free hugs as many will remember, and his "Pay It Forward" $20 bill given out each Christmas season was helpful to many; and

WHEREAS, Gene Alexander provided programs for his teachers and students at schools and Rend Lake College; he swept parking lots very early in the morning at various businesses and, at the same time, had perfect attendance as a volunteer to read daily to students at Benton Grade School and Head Start; and

WHEREAS, Gene Alexander painted over 700 classrooms and was well known for painting 352 U.S. maps on the playgrounds at various schools in Illinois, three in Kentucky, and three in Missouri; he also donated 200 books to the Benton Public Library as birthday gifts to friends and colleagues through the years; and

WHEREAS, Gene Alexander was a modest man, never seeking notoriety for his many good deeds; and

WHEREAS, Gene Alexander was chosen as Citizen of the Year, and a proclamation was made for a special Mr. A Day on November 25, 2015; a bronze plaque hanging at the Gene R. Alexander Learning Resource Center at Benton Grade School notes his true character with the inscription as being a true gentleman, educator, motivator, character builder, and memory maker; and

WHEREAS, Gene Alexander was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Benton, where he served as an active deacon for 52 years, a Sunday school teacher, and an active participant in men's groups; and

WHEREAS, Gene Alexander was an inspiring educator, a Christian, and an unsurpassed giver of time and effort to others; he donated his body to science and, even in death, continues to be a useful teacher of medical students at the St. Louis University School of Medicine; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the loss of Gene "Mr. A" Alexander and celebrate his life and his many generous and loving contributions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Gene Alexander as an expression of our deepest sympathy.