SR0553 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0553 LRB104 17299 ECR 30721 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John Mark Smith of Springfield, who passed away on December 15, 2025; and

WHEREAS, John Smith, the son of Frank Irvin Smith and Emelia (Marker) Smith in Springfield on September 28, 1934; he graduated from Feitshans High School; he served in the United States Army in Germany following the Korean War; he received a degree in law enforcement from Springfield College, and he later graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield in 1977; he married Florence E. Nizzio on November 6, 1954; after her passing, he married Mary A. Sponsler on December 31, 1991; and

WHEREAS, John Smith began working as a patrolman for the Springfield Police Department in 1957; he ascended the ranks to sergeant, detective, and watch commander before concluding his 31-year career in 1989; he then worked at the Illinois Department of Revenue, retiring after 15 years of service; and

WHEREAS, John Smith was a longtime member of Concordia Lutheran Church; he was also involved with the Illinois Police Association and the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association, and he was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA); and

WHEREAS, John Smith loved traveling to the mountains with his family for camping adventures and basking in the Florida sunshine, where he pursued his passion for fishing; and

WHEREAS, John Smith lived a life marked by a mixture of grit and selflessness, with a relentless courage that was admired by all; his enduring spirit will remain a guiding light to his family, friends, and all the lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, John Smith was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Florence E. (Nizzio) Smith; his second wife, Mary A. (Sponsler) Smith; his granddaughter, Heather Shepherd; and his siblings, Clara Lou Bennett and Irvin F. "Irv" Smith; and

WHEREAS, John Smith is survived by his children, Kathryn L. (Tony) Spain and Mark A. (Kathy) Smith; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; 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 John Mark Smith 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 John Smith as an expression of our deepest sympathy.