SR2498 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2498 LRB099 24271 MST 52009 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Howard D. Eskridge of Tuscola, who passed away on December 9, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Howard Eskridge was born in Decatur to Homer and Grace (Howell) Eskridge on May 15, 1945; he received his Bachelor of Science in Business from Millikin University and his master's degree in public administration from Governors State University; he married Kathryn Meyer in 1979; he married Judy (Blain) Henderson in Arcola on June 29, 1986; and

WHEREAS, Howard Eskridge lived his boyhood dream of wanting to be a firefighter by spending 30 years as a firefighter instructor at the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute; his work, along with others, lead to many programs, including basic, standard and advanced level firefighter certification; as a State training instructor, his influence and expertise was often called on to assist fire departments with incidents or designing other training programs; at the age of 21, he was the youngest paid fire chief in the State of Illinois for Hammond; and

WHEREAS, Following his retirement from the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute, Howard Eskridge worked part-time for Ruhl Forensic and Depke Welding; and

WHEREAS, Howard Eskridge was in the United States Navy Construction Battalions (SEABEES) from 1967 to 1969; he proudly wore his Vietnam Navy Veterans hat and always enjoyed interacting with other veterans; his patriotism was an important part of his life and he helped lay to rest many service members; and

WHEREAS, Howard Eskridge had many hobbies and talents; he taught himself to weld and keep farm machinery running; his favorite pastime was communicating with people all over the world as an amateur radio operator (K9GYI) from his Chicken Bristle Radio Shack; other talents included public speaking and writing poetry; his greatest joy was living in the country, where he could mow, trim, and work in his shop; and

WHEREAS, Howard Eskridge was a member of the Arcola United Methodist Church, where he once served as lay leader and narrated choir cantatas for many years; he was also a member of the American Radio Relay League and Arcola VFW Post #7680; and

WHEREAS, Howard Eskridge is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughters, Kendra Chriss, and Jodi Samsa; his granddaughters, Elise Chriss, and Ava Samsa; his sister, Judy Day; and several nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Howard D. Eskridge, 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 Eskridge as an expression of our deepest sympathy.