HR0532 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0532 LRB098 12889 MST 47384 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize and congratulate Willie B. Nelson for his outstanding service to the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of The World and the East St. Louis Community; and

WHEREAS, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Willie B. Nelson was initiated in Hercules Lodge #90 Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World in June 1955 and has served the Elk family in leadership roles for 58 consecutive years on the local level, the state association level, the Grand Lodge of Elks level, and in the District Deputy Grand Exalted Rulers Council; he is regarded as a mentor and role model for all Brother Elks; and

WHEREAS, Past Grand Exalted Ruler Willie B. Nelson served as State Director of the Illinois-Wisconsin State Association for 15 consecutive years; during those years, 12 Illinois-Wisconsin State Education Department winners came from the City of East St. Louis and surrounding areas; all winners were selected by Illinois-Wisconsin State Association judges and continue to work with the Education Department in Hercules Lodge #90 today; and

WHEREAS, Past Grand Exalted Ruler Willie B. Nelson served as Exalted Ruler of Hercules Lodge #90 from 1975 through 1990, was re-elected to serve in the year of 2007, and continues to serve as Exalted Ruler today; and

WHEREAS, Past Grand Exalted Ruler Willie B. Nelson is a retired branch manager for Associated Bank and presently serves as a consultant to the current branch manager; his career began with him serving as a custodian for Associated Bank (then Illini Federal Savings and Loan Association), when African-Americans were not allowed to hold any other positions; he persevered and attended school in the evening, completing numerous training programs and internships with the bank to eventually reach branch manager status; he served Associated Bank for 43 years prior to retirement; and

WHEREAS, Past Grand Exalted Ruler Willie B. Nelson served as a leader for numerous community organizations, such as President of Target 2000, President of the Katherine Dunham Museum, President of the East St. Louis Chamber of Commerce, Commissioner on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Housing Department, and past President of the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois; he presently serves as President of the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, which focuses on maintaining affordable healthcare for all people; and

WHEREAS, Past Grand Exalted Ruler Willie B. Nelson is the father of a loving daughter, Lavonda Nelson, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his wife and 2 of his children have passed away; he is a member of the Greater Faith Christian Church of Centreville, where he serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Interim Finance Director; and

WHEREAS, The Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World's East St. Louis family applaud Willie B. Nelson for his lifetime of accomplishments and his persistence to keep Elkdom and community service alive and thriving in Southern Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Willie B. Nelson serves as a model of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Willie B. Nelson for his outstanding service to the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of The World and the East St. Louis Community, and wish him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Willie B. Nelson as a symbol of our esteem and respect.