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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Gene
4Alexander; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Gene Alexander, known to all as "Mr. A", was a
6lifelong resident of Benton, where he spent decades positively
7impacting the lives of thousands of young Southern Illinoisans
8as a teacher, principal, coach, and mentor; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Gene Alexander served his country in the United
10States Army from 1954 to 1956; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Gene Alexander touched many lives through his
12giving spirit and compassion for others; he filled the needs
13of young people and adults alike with his scholarships and
14daily trips to provide for the food pantry as well as his
15support of fundraisers, youth activities, church, and school;
16and
 
17    WHEREAS, In addition to giving financially to others, Gene
18Alexander inspired young people and made memories for others
19by sharing a quarter if they said "Say no to drugs"; his
20question, "Are you huggable" always preceded his free hugs as
21many will remember, and his "Pay It Forward" $20 bill given out

 

 

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1each Christmas season was helpful to many; and
 
2    WHEREAS, Gene Alexander provided programs for his teachers
3and students at schools and Rend Lake College; he swept
4parking lots very early in the morning at various businesses
5and, at the same time, had perfect attendance as a volunteer to
6read daily to students at Benton Grade School and Head Start;
7and
 
8    WHEREAS, Gene Alexander painted over 700 classrooms and
9was well known for painting 352 U.S. maps on the playgrounds at
10various schools in Illinois, three in Kentucky, and three in
11Missouri; he also donated 200 books to the Benton Public
12Library as birthday gifts to friends and colleagues through
13the years; and
 
14    WHEREAS, Gene Alexander was a modest man, never seeking
15notoriety for his many good deeds; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Gene Alexander was chosen as Citizen of the Year,
17and a proclamation was made for a special Mr. A Day on November
1825, 2015; a bronze plaque hanging at the Gene R. Alexander
19Learning Resource Center at Benton Grade School notes his true
20character with the inscription as being a true gentleman,
21educator, motivator, character builder, and memory maker; and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, Gene Alexander was a member of the First
2Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Benton, where he
3served as an active deacon for 52 years, a Sunday school
4teacher, and an active participant in men's groups; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Gene Alexander was an inspiring educator, a
6Christian, and an unsurpassed giver of time and effort to
7others; he donated his body to science and, even in death,
8continues to be a useful teacher of medical students at the St.
9Louis University School of Medicine; therefore, be it
 
10    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
11HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
12we mourn the loss of Gene "Mr. A" Alexander and celebrate his
13life and his many generous and loving contributions; and be it
14further
 
15    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
16presented to the family of Gene Alexander as an expression of
17our deepest sympathy.