HR1545 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1545 LRB096 24599 GRL 44431 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of A.L. Lukens of West Frankfort, who passed away on May 25, 2010; and

WHEREAS, A.L. Lukens was born on October 14, 1925, in Herrin; his parents were Noel and Golda Lukens; and

WHEREAS, In 1944, A.L. Lukens left Herrin High School to join the United States Air Force in order to serve his country; he subsequently returned to join the family business, Bonifield Bros. Truck Line, where he served until he ended his career there as vice president/general manager; he then began a new career in sales with Hulbert Oil, serving there until his retirement as sales manager; after retirement, he continued working at Hulbert Oil as a consultant until he was 78 years old; and

WHEREAS, A.L. Lukens was a proud resident of West Frankfort; after moving there in 1950, he quickly became involved in the community through the Jaycees, where he served as president and state vice president, and as a volunteer fireman, where he made many lifelong friends; he served as president of the West Frankfort Park Board and was instrumental in obtaining a grant to pave the roads through the park; he served as president of Franklin County Country Club for 5 years; in recent years, he became re-involved in the community as an advocate for bringing Home Rule to West Frankfort and by obtaining funds from the state to beautify the interstate exchange with flowers; he also served as chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 45, A.L. Lukens became a student of golf and loved playing the game until he was around 80; as a hobby, he built golf clubs for many people, including his grandsons and his 18-month-old great-grandson, Colton; and

WHEREAS, A.L. Lukens lived on Candy Cane Lane and was a founder of the annual Christmas tradition; he and his neighbors brought joy to thousands for the past 25 years by covering his roof and yard with lights; his favorite display was "It's a Small World After All"; and

WHEREAS, A.L. Lukens enjoyed traveling to see his kids and grandkids, watching his investments, learning how to use his computer, and taking pride in his beautiful green yard; and

WHEREAS, A.L. Lukens was preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law, Billie Hestand; and

WHEREAS, A.L. Lukens is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his daughter, Sally (Tim) Barber; his son, Allen (Luke) Lukens; his sisters and their husbands, Jan and Charlie Blaylock and Kay and Joe Howell; his grandchildren, Brett, Ben, and Adam Barber and Leah and Lindsay Lukens; and his great-grandson, Colton Christian Barber; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of A.L. Lukens; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of A.L. Lukens as an expression of our sympathy.