SR1345LRB103 43684 LAW 77039 r

1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened 
3to learn of the death of Michael Charles Fordson of 
4Belleville, who passed away on December 23, 2024; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Michael Fordson was born to Benjamin and 
6LaSaundia Fordson in East St. Louis on May 28, 1968; he 
7attended Catholic schools, graduating from Assumption High 
8School in 1986; he served in the U.S. Army Reserve for many 
9years, enlisting in high school and transitioning to full 
10active duty after graduation; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Michael Fordson, following his military service, 
12began his career with the Illinois Department of Corrections, 
13retiring as a major; he later continued his service to the 
14community by working with the St. Clair County Jail; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Michael Fordson committed to his faith at an 
16early age and was a member of Saint Augustine of Hippo Catholic 
17Church in East St. Louis; his commitment to faith and 
18community was evident through his invaluable contributions to 
19a number of organizations, including his years of dedication 
20to Masonic P.G. Porter Lodge #142 and Ancient and Accepted 
21Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Tyree Consistory #64, where he 
22was a 33rd Degree Grand Inspector General, and as a past patron 
 
 
SR1345- 2 -LRB103 43684 LAW 77039 r

1of the Order of Eastern Star Guiding Light; and
 
2    WHEREAS, Michael Fordson was known for his selflessness 
3and compassion, exemplified by his role as Santa Claus during 
4the annual Toy Giveaway at Christmas and as an active member of 
5the Shriners Lodge; he will be remembered for his dedication 
6to family, faith, and community; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Michael Fordson was preceded in death by his 
8parents, his grandparents, and a nephew; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Michael Fordson is survived by his daughters, 
10Micah, Iesha, and Tyler; his grandson, Jakeem; his sisters, 
11Stephanie and Nicole; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, 
12uncles, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it
 
13    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL 
14ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
15Michael Charles Fordson and extend our sincere condolences to 
16his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it 
17further
 
18    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
19presented to the family of Michael Fordson as an expression of 
20our deepest sympathy.