SR0905 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0905 LRB102 26701 MST 37541 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Wendell Dean Graven of Springfield, who passed away on February 28, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Wendell Graven was born in Findlay to John and Ethel (Steele) Graven on March 1, 1934; he graduated from Findlay High School in 1952 and married Fern Thacker on December 31, 1954; and

WHEREAS, Wendell Graven owned and operated Hick's Gas Station; he also worked at Charlie Wilson's Ford Dealership and as a Purchasing Agent at International Paper for 20 years; and

WHEREAS, Wendell Graven served on the Shelbyville School Board from 1972 to 1976 and was an original organizer of the Little League baseball diamonds; he was also the founder of the Pony League and one of the original volunteers for the Shelbyville Festival of Lights; and

WHEREAS, Wendell Graven was an avid fan of Illinois basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals; he was the MVP of the Shelby County Basketball Tournament in 1952 and was proud to be inducted into the IHSA Coaches Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991; and

WHEREAS, Wendell Graven was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lucille; and

WHEREAS, Wendell Graven is survived by his wife of 67 years, Fern; his sons, Dean (Stacey) and Doug Graven (Amy Cashman); his grandchildren, Tina Gardiner, Kyle Graven, Bryon Graven, and Brett Graven; four great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; his sisters, Juanita Tucker and Barbara (Ed) Olivier; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his grand-dog, Rudy; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Wendell Dean Graven 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 Wendell Graven as an expression of our deepest sympathy.