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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
3learn of the death of Robert Earl Downing of Taylor Ridge, who
4passed away on April 24, 2017; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Robert Downing was born in Rock Island to John L.
6Downing and Grace M. Durling on March 11, 1925; he graduated
7from Rock Island High School in 1943 and attended Augustana
8College, where he held the high jump record for many years; he
9enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, where he attained
10the rank of second lieutenant and served as a navigator for the
1164th Bombardment Squadron; he married Reita Katherine Amy on
12February 10, 1951; and
 
13    WHEREAS, After his military service, Robert Downing worked
14as a clerk for the Rock Island Post Office and retired after 34
15years; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Robert Downing was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs
17and Iowa Hawkeyes; he enjoyed square dancing, bowling, golfing,
18hiking, and eating at Maid-rite, Whitey's, and Harris Pizza; he
19and his wife spent their winters in Arizona and his family
20would often mail him care packages during their winters there;
21and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, Robert Downing was preceded in death by his wife
2of 65 years, Reita; his parents; his brother, John R. (Evelyn)
3Downing; and his beloved dog, Snoopy; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Robert Downing is survived by his brother-in-law,
5Richard H. Amy; his nephew, Richard (Kay) Amy; his niece, Reita
6(Michael) Kuster; five great-nephews; one great-niece; and 12
7great-greats; his great-nephews, Rickey (Krystle) and Matt
8(Chelsea) Kuster; and his great-niece, Gail (DJ) Hahn;
9therefore, be it
 
10    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL
11ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
12Robert Earl Downing, and extend our sincere condolences to his
13family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it
14further
 
15    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
16presented to the family of Robert Downing as an expression of
17our deepest sympathy.