SR0536 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0536 LRB104 16563 LAW 29961 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Mark E. Beard of Sherman, who passed away on November 25, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Mark Beard was born to Edward Earl Beard and Janice Lewis in Springfield on August 1, 1956; he attended Williamsville High School, where he participated in track, cross country, and basketball; he married Terri Ferguson on October 25, 1975; and

WHEREAS, Mark Beard worked as a systems engineer architect for Storage Technology for almost 30 years, and he also served a number of other large technology companies; and

WHEREAS, Mark Beard coached his three children in various sports in their younger years; most recently, he enjoyed traveling and watching his seven grandchildren participate in various sports, concerts, and other activities; and

WHEREAS, Mark Beard enjoyed bowling, playing softball, and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle; while at home, he and his wife enjoyed hosting family events, making caramels and brittle, and sitting outside by their koi pond; and

WHEREAS, Mark Beard was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Mark Beard is survived by his wife of 50 years, Terri; his children, Nicole (Matt) Tyson, Sara (Adam) Westlake, and Kaylan (Kelsey) Beard; seven grandchildren; and his siblings, Ron Dunkel and Susan Hinds; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mark E. Beard 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 Mark Beard as an expression of our deepest sympathy.