SR0970 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0970 LRB103 40498 ECR 72955 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert Ray "Bob" Holmes Sr., who passed away on April 24, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Bob Holmes was born to Lowell Ray and Julia Savanna (Newell) Holmes in rural Creal Springs on March 2, 1942; he married Geraldine "Geri" Lucas on May 3, 1963, and she preceded him in death on September 6, 2007; he later married Gailene "Gail" Harrelson on July 23, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Bob Holmes worked for the City of Harrisburg Water Department before serving as road commissioner for Harrisburg Township for eight years; he also formerly worked for the Peabody Coal Company; and

WHEREAS, Bob Holmes served his community as a volunteer fireman for 43 years and as chairman for the Saline County Republican Committee; he was a booster of local athletics, volunteering for Harrisburg Youth Athletics by building athletic facilities, and the annual River-to-River Road Race; and

WHEREAS, Bob Holmes was a member of McKinley Avenue Baptist Church, Quails Unlimited, and the Harrisburg Masonic Lodge #325, where he was a 32nd Degree Mason; and

WHEREAS, Bob Holmes was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, and he enjoyed spending hours in the field hunting whitetail deer or following behind his bird dogs; and

WHEREAS, Bob Holmes will be remembered for being loyal, honest, and community-minded; and

WHEREAS, Bob Holmes was preceded in death by his parents; his stepson, Troy Don Harrelson; his great-grandson, Michael Robert Holmes; his grandson-in-law, Gonzalo Sabogal; and his sister, Delia Alice "Deed" (Jean) Hollerson; and

WHEREAS, Bob Holmes is survived by his wife, Gail Harrelson-Holmes; his children, Robert Ray (Joanne) Holmes Jr. and Trena Lynn (Brent) Black; his stepchildren, Christina Ann (Larry) Wheeler and Robert Glenn Harrelson; his stepdaughter-in-law, Marie Harrelson; his grandchildren, Rebecca, Amanda, Trenton, Sophia, Travis, Olivia, Colton, Sheree, Dylan, Nicholas, Chelsea, Jacob, Tyler, and Angelica; his great-grandchildren, Paizlee, Adilyn, Harper, Gianella, Gunner, Lucas, Adien, Wallen, Arthur, and Connor; his siblings, William Holmes, Betty (John) Parton, and Gary (Kim) Holmes; and several nieces and nephews; 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 Robert Ray "Bob" Holmes Sr. 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 Bob Holmes as an expression of our deepest sympathy.