SR0361 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0361 LRB098 12410 GRL 46805 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Donald D. Peasley, who passed away on May 3, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Donald Peasley was born on December 5, 1922, on the family farm near Stronghurst; his parents were John and LaVerna Dixson Peasley; he married Frances Keane on February 14, 1946; and

WHEREAS, Donald Peasley graduated from Terre Haute High School in 1940; he attended the University of Illinois from 1940 to 1943 and began his career as a journalist on the editorial staff of The Daily Illini; and

WHEREAS, Donald Peasley enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves and began active duty July 1, 1943; he served in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Blue Ridge, an amphibious force command ship, and the USS Lawrence C. Taylor, a destroyer escort; and

WHEREAS, After his marriage, Donald Peasley and his wife returned to the University of Illinois, where he continued his career as a journalist at The Daily Illini and graduated in June of 1947; the couple moved to Woodstock in October of 1947, where he worked as managing editor of the Woodstock Journal, Hebron Times, and Huntley Review; his journalism career quickly expanded to include success as a photojournalist, editor, columnist, and historian; and

WHEREAS, Donald Peasley was a founding member of the Woodstock Little League in 1954; he had served on its board ever since, including 45 years as secretary; in 1962, he established Play Ball!, an annual yearbook featuring league history, highlights, team photos, and individual recognition; and

WHEREAS, In 1955, Donald Peasley established Woodstock VFW News, a monthly publication to keep members informed of issues related to veterans; the publication earned 15 national VFW "Best Publication" awards; and

WHEREAS, Donald Peasley founded a public relations firm in 1961; he worked in communications at the Illinois Farm Bureau from 1950 until the organization moved from Chicago to Bloomington in 1961; and

WHEREAS, Donald Peasley had a close relationship with agriculture; through stories and photos, he chronicled major changes affecting the agricultural community in McHenry County; he helped edit and produce the monthly Farm Bureau publication from 1947 until its closure in 2002; he was involved in a host of community events, primarily as a volunteer, including Woodstock's success in becoming an All-America City in National Municipal League competition in 1963-1964; and

WHEREAS, Donald Peasley was instrumental in promoting the McHenry County Fair and photographed every Fair Queen since 1946; last year, the Fair Board recognized his contributions by designating the first day of the Fair as "Don Peasley Day" and placed a nameplate on a bench; and

WHEREAS, Donald Peasley was presented the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award by the Illinois Humanities Council following nomination for the recognition by Woodstock City Council in 2007; he was chosen to be Woodstock Citizen of the Year by the Woodstock Lions Club in 2006 and honored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation with induction into the 4-H Foundation Hall of Fame; his journalistic endeavors, including 60 years of covering high school activities, were recognized with his induction into the Woodstock High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006; the McHenry County Board similarly recognized 60 years of photographic and journalistic achievements with a proclamation in February of 2006; and

WHEREAS, Donald Peasley is survived by his children, Mary (Hobert Holloway) Peasley, Mark (Laura) Peasley (Molly and Shane Brown), Charles (Debbie) Peasley, and Sarah Peasley; his grandchildren, Peter (Cristina) Beverwyk, Christopher (Kinny) Beverwyk, and Victoria Sisk; his great-grandchildren, Veda and Daemon Beverwyk; his many nieces and nephews; and his close family friend, Marybeth Vogrinc; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Donald D. Peasley; and be it further

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