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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened 
3to learn of the death of William Jean "Bill" Meriwether Jr., 
4who passed away on January 5, 2026; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Bill Meriwether was born to William J. and Ferne 
6(Grigsby) Meriwether in Hire Township, McDonough County on 
7November 22, 1928; he attended Willow Grove School, and he 
8graduated from Blandinsville High School in 1946; he served in 
9the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict; he 
10married Rosalyn Harl in Colusa on June 6, 1954; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Bill Meriwether farmed in the Blandinsville area 
12for 30 years, and he worked as a crop hail adjuster during the 
13summer for several years; he retired from NTN Bower Roller 
14Bearing in 1991 after more than 22 years of service; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Bill Meriwether was involved in numerous 
16organizations, including the Quincy Consistory, Military Tract 
17Lodge #145 IOOF, the McDonough County Retired Teachers 
18Association, USAF 798th AC&W Radar Squadron Alumni, and the 
19Blandinsville Christian Church, and he served as a past 
20commander of American Legion Post 424, a past master of the La 
21Harpe Masonic Lodge, and a past patron of the Macomb Order of 
22the Eastern Star; and
 
 
 
SR0654- 2 -LRB104 21088 ECR 35228 r

1    WHEREAS, Bill Meriwether loved collecting many things, 
2including farm toys, antique kerosene lanterns, and pottery, 
3and he crafted various items from wood, including Christmas 
4trees and birdhouses; he also enjoyed buying and selling cars, 
5machinery, tools, and other products; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Bill Meriwether was preceded him in death by his 
7wife of 53 years, Rosalyn; his parents; his daughter, Judy 
8Bell; and his siblings, Luan Meriwether and Jim Meriwether; 
9and
 
10    WHEREAS, Bill Meriwether is survived by his children, 
11Dennis and Susanne; his sister, Carolyn Kempher; his 
12sister-in-law, Sherry Meriwether; and many nieces and nephews; 
13therefore, be it
 
14    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL 
15ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
16William Jean "Bill" Meriwether Jr. and extend our sincere 
17condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved 
18him; and be it further
 
19    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
20presented to the family of Bill Meriwether as an expression of 
21our deepest sympathy.