SR0487LRB103 34468 ECR 64298 r

1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened 
3to learn of the death of Eugene F. "Gene" Smith of Pekin, who 
4passed away on September 12, 2023; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Gene Smith was born to Alexander and Catherine 
6(Kittner) Smith in Honesdale, Pennsylvania on May 8, 1940; he 
7graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science; 
8he served in the U.S. Air Force; he married the love of his 
9life, Ingrid Smith, in Germany on July 29, 1961; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Gene Smith worked as a supervisor for Caterpillar 
11for 35 years, retiring in 2002; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Gene Smith was a member of the St. Joseph 
13Catholic Church in Pekin and was a 4th Degree Member of the 
14Knights of Columbus; he volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul 
15Society Food Bank and at Pekin Hospital; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Gene Smith enjoyed gardening, collecting pedal 
17cars, running, and hiking; he ran in five marathons and hiked 
18the Appalachian Trail and the Grand Canyon; he treasured his 
19family and was a proud grandpa; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Gene Smith was preceded in death by his parents 
 
 
SR0487- 2 -LRB103 34468 ECR 64298 r

1and his brothers, Jimmy Smith, Leo Smith, and Glen David 
2Smith; and
 
3    WHEREAS, Gene Smith is survived by his wife; his son, 
4Rodney Smith; his daughter, Brenda (Floyd) Akins; his 
5grandchildren, Gabriel, Nina, and Tyler; his brothers, Wayne 
6and Alex Smith; and his sister, Kathleen Dougher; therefore, 
7be it
 
8    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL 
9ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
10Eugene F. "Gene" Smith and extend our sincere condolences to 
11his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it 
12further
 
13    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
14presented to the family of Gene Smith as an expression of our 
15deepest sympathy.