SR0639 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0639 LRB096 20963 KXB 36802 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Eldon Lee Polhemus of Hanna City, who passed away on February 12, 2010; and

WHEREAS, He was born on November 2, 1934, in Hanna City to Bruce and Eileen (Swardinski) Polhemus; he married Betty Cain on April 10, 1958, in Lincolnshire, England; he served in the United States Air Force from November 1951 to May 1960 and fought in the Korean War; he was awarded the honor of Queen Scout in England (equivalent of Eagle Scout) for his work with the scouts while stationed in England; and

WHEREAS, He was a member of the Hanna City American Legion; a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge in Glasford, where he attained the 32nd degree; member of the Hanna City Centennial Committee; and of the Shriners; he was also a member of the Hanna City United Methodist Church and chaired the building committee; and

WHEREAS, He spent 40 years in automobile sales in dealerships in the Peoria area, including Quality Motors in Hanna City, which he and Betty owned and operated for 26 years; he and his wife also owned and operated Polly's Glass Tap in Minonk; he served on the Peoria County Board, representing District 16 for 18 years, from 1990 to 2008; and he also served on and chaired numerous committees and was strongly involved with Peoria County Veterans affairs; and

WHEREAS, He was a supporter of veterans' recognition and spearheaded the veterans memorial in Hanna City; he held numerous offices in local government throughout his lifetime; he started Feed the Flooded to help the victims of the 1993 Mississippi flood in Keithsburg; and he loved bald eagles and amassed a collection of more than 700 pieces of eagle memorabilia and gifts from family and friends; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Bruce and John; and

WHEREAS, Eldon Polhemus is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty; his daughter, Janet (Tom) Timian; his daughter-in-law, Sharon Polhemus; his four grandchildren; his five great-grandchildren; and his brother, Ronnie (Kathy) Polhemus; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Eldon Polhemus; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Eldon Polhemus as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.