SR1116LRB103 41306 ECR 74523 r

1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened 
3to learn of the death of William L. "Red" Downing of Lewistown, 
4who passed away on July 2, 2024; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Red Downing was born to Forrest Clifford Sr. and 
6LaBerta G. (Slater) Downing in Buckhart Township on May 3, 
71928; he served in the U.S. Air Force in Germany; he married 
8Erma M. Black at Mt. Pleasant Church in rural Lewistown on June 
928, 1963; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Red Downing retired from International Harvester 
11after 31 years of service; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Red Downing was an active member of UAW Local 
13#1357, where he served as a union steward; he was also a member 
14of the International Harvester Retirees Club; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Red Downing enjoyed working on 1940s Willys Jeeps 
16and Army trucks and fishing in his spare time; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Red Downing was preceded in death by his wife and 
18his brothers, John P. Downing and Forrest Downing Jr.; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Red Downing is survived by his sister, June 
 
 
SR1116- 2 -LRB103 41306 ECR 74523 r

1Tompkins; his niece and nephew, Cheryl (Chuck) Rakestraw and 
2Bill (Kathy) Downing; two step-granddaughters; one 
3step-grandson; one step-great-grandson; three 
4step-great-granddaughters; and several great-nieces and 
5great-nephews; therefore, be it
 
6    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL 
7ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
8William L. "Red" Downing and extend our sincere condolences to 
9his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it 
10further
 
11    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
12presented to the family of Red Downing as an expression of our 
13deepest sympathy.