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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3to learn of the death of Philip L. "Phil" Theobald, who passed
4away on October 4, 2024; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Phil Theobald, the son of Philip C. and Marilee
6Ayres Theobald, was born in Galesburg on January 3, 1941; he
7graduated from Galesburg High School in 1959; he served in and
8was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army; he married Sandra
9Lind in Oneida on May 31, 1990; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Phil Theobald was a respected sports journalist
11with a career spanning more than 40 years, making a name for
12himself as the preeminent sports columnist for the Peoria
13Journal Star; he began his career in journalism with the
14Galesburg Register-Mail before moving to the Canton Daily
15Ledger; he joined the Peoria Journal Star as a sportswriter in
161965, where he rose through the ranks to become the sports
17columnist and assistant sports editor, positions he held with
18distinction until his retirement in 2004; during his tenure,
19he became known for his insightful coverage and unwavering
20integrity while earning a reputation as the beat writer for
21the Chicago Bears, the Peoria Chiefs, and the Bradley Braves;
22and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, Phil Theobald was an enthusiastic sportsman, a
2lifelong angler, and an avid card player with a particular
3fondness for gin rummy; he also enjoyed golfing, celebrating a
4memorable hole-in-one at Mt. Hawley Country Club; he
5especially cherished cheering for his grandchildren at their
6sporting events; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Phil Theobald was respected by colleagues for his
8professionalism and mentorship, and his family and friends
9will especially remember his infectious laughter, his
10storytelling prowess, and the warmth of his companionship; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Phil Theobald was preceded in death by his
12parents; his brother, Ronald Theobald; and his
13brothers-in-law, Jim Isaacson and Dan Dalton; and
 
14    WHEREAS, Phil Theobald is survived by his wife; his
15daughters, Erin (Kevin) Berry and Andra (Jason) Chamberlin;
16his stepdaughter, Susan Stairwalt; his grandchildren, Shaun
17(Grant) Shepard, Riley Devlin, Jace (Kenzie) Chamberlin, and
18Alexandra Chamberlin; his step-grandchildren, Anthony Francis
19and Rhonnie (Ryan) Storesina; his great-granddaughter, Thea
20Shepard, with one more on the way; his brothers, Gary (Jean)
21Theobald and Ed (Cathy) Theobald; his sisters, Pat Isaacson
22and Jane Young; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces,
23great-nephews, and many cousins; therefore, be it
 

 

 

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1    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
2ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
3Philip L. "Phil" Theobald and extend our sincere condolences
4to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be
5it further
 
6    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
7presented to the family of Phil Theobald as an expression of
8our deepest sympathy.