SR1333 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1333 LRB103 43514 LAW 76850 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert Hugh "Bob" Finley of Sparta, who passed away on December 8, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Bob Finley, the son of Floyd McKelvy Finley and Minnie Elizabeth (Wilson) Finley, was born in Sparta on March 5, 1947; he graduated from Sparta High School; he studied education at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, where he played football, sang in the college's touring choir, The Genevans, and was a founding member of the male double-quartet, The Eight Bells, a group that still exists today; and

WHEREAS, After returning to Sparta, Bob Finley taught briefly in Marissa and Evansville before taking a position at Sparta Lincoln Middle School, where he taught for more than 40 years; though the classes he taught varied over the years, he particularly enjoyed introducing his students to algebra and investing, teaching the latter through having students track imaginary portfolios in the stock section of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch; he also coached several Sparta sports teams at various times, including the Sparta Lincoln track team for many years; and

WHEREAS, Bob Finley was dedicated to his faith; he was a lifetime member of Sparta Reformed Presbyterian Church, where he led singing, taught classes, and served as deacon, elder, and treasurer, and he was always the one who made sure things were completed; he also provided assistance to his parents and many other older people in the church, as well as extended family; and

WHEREAS, Bob Finley was devoted to his family, and he will be remembered as a faithful husband and a loving father and grandfather; and

WHEREAS, Bob Finley was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ann Elizabeth Finley; and

WHEREAS, Bob Finley is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jeanne May (Wittenborn) Finley; his children, Clay (Jenny), Joel (Ruth), Noah, Sarah (Ben Smith), Hannah, and Jonathan; 13 grandchildren; and his brothers, William "Bill" Finley and Paul Finley; 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 Hugh "Bob" Finley 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 Finley as an expression of our deepest sympathy.