SR0779 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0779 LRB104 21718 LAW 37332 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Howard Lane Beagles, who passed away on April 13, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Howard Beagles was born to Eugene and Frances (McGurk) Beagles in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 9, 1928; during the era of the Great Depression, he went to live with his aunt and uncle, Margaret "Maudie" (McGurk) and Guy Briscoe, in Springfield, Illinois, where he was raised and continued to live for many decades; he served in the United States Navy beginning in the spring of 1946, refurbishing battleships in California at the end of World War II; following his service, he returned home and married Mary Anne Renfro at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield on February 2, 1948, and she preceded him in death after 62 years of marriage on November 9, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Howard Beagles, a decent and humble man, worked very hard to take care of his family; he was employed at the Allis Chalmers Factory for years and then served the Springfield Fire Department for three decades beginning in 1960, retiring as fire marshal 30 years later; his commitment to public safety and his colleagues earned him deep respect throughout the community; and

WHEREAS, Howard Beagles was baptized into the Catholic faith on September 23, 1928; he and his wife were devoted parishioners of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where they raised their family, served in the adult choir, and dedicated countless hours to parish activities, including PTA leadership, bingo nights, ice cream socials, and parish dinners; he was also a longtime member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, carrying his faith into service to others; and

WHEREAS, Howard Beagles enjoyed playing pinochle and spending time with family and friends in retirement, visiting his children across Illinois and Tennessee; he moved in with his daughter and son-in-law, Rita and Allen, in 2015, and he later divided his time between their home, the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Gerry and Cindy, in Palos Heights, and the home of his daughter, Anne, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, Howard Beagles' life was defined by faith, service, and love of family; he will be remembered for his kindness, humor, laughter, and storytelling; and

WHEREAS, Howard Beagles was preceded in death by his son, Barry Joseph (widow, April) Beagles; and

WHEREAS, Howard Beagles is survived by his children, Anne Raymond, Rita (Allen) Drake, Gerry (Cindy Haworth) Beagles, Fr. David Beagles, and Tom (Holly) Beagles; 15 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; 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 Howard Lane Beagles 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 Howard Beagles as an expression of our deepest sympathy.