SR0457 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0457 LRB103 34077 ECR 63894 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Dana Richard Hales, who passed away on August 6, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Dana Hales was born to Marshall Palmer Hales and Helen (Wilson) Hales in Champaign on March 7, 1950; he graduated from Newman High School in 1968; he received his associate's degree and a certificate in mechanical drafting from Parkland College on June 16, 1970; he married Cathy Carr at the First Christian Church of Newman on August 15, 1970; he attended Eastern Illinois University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Industrial Arts on March 2, 1973 and his Master of Educational Administration on August 10, 1989; he served in the Illinois National Guard for 23 years, retiring as a major; and

WHEREAS, Dana Hales taught industrial arts, drafting, woodworking, metalwork, and welding at Homer High School, Newman High School, and Paris High School; he served as principal of Newman High School and Catlin High School; he was also editor-in-chief of The Newman Independent for many years; and

WHEREAS, Dana Hales was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church of Newman; he ran the longest running adjutant of the Newman American Legion Post and rarely missed a meeting; he was a founding member of the Sons of Union Veterans, Douglas County Chapter; and

WHEREAS, Dana Hales loved history, especially anything related to the military; his specialty was the Civil War and World War II; he collected different pieces of military memorabilia from different wars, including bayonets, guns, and various other artifacts; he and other local collectors enjoyed attending different trade shows together to find pieces to add to their respective collections; he loved speaking about history and conducted yearly presentations at Shiloh High School; and

WHEREAS, Dana Hales is survived by his wife; his sons, Wade (Amy) Hales and Matt (Danielle Kusman) Hales; his sister, Karen Riddell; his grandchildren, Austin (Katie Queen) Hales, Howard Hales, Hayden Hales, and Kenzie Hales; and his great-granddaughter, Randy Lynn; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Dana Richard Hales 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 Dana Hales as an expression of our deepest sympathy.