SR0188 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0188 LRB103 31855 MST 60493 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Donald E. "Donnie" Blakeman of Taylorville, who passed away on March 15, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Donnie Blakeman was born in May Township to Wilbur and Mabel (Moomey) Blakeman on October 13, 1934; he served in the U.S. Air Force; he married Mary Agnes DeMichael in Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stonington on June 27, 1959; and

WHEREAS, Donnie Blakeman worked for Caterpillar for many years, and after retirement, he worked for several area farmers; and

WHEREAS, Donnie Blakeman was active with Stonington American Legion Post 257, where he served as adjutant for many years; he served his community in a number of other ways, including as president of the board for Stonington area schools and with the Stonington Village Board and the Stonington Fire Department; he was also an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church; and

WHEREAS, Donnie Blakeman played softball for several years and, along with his brother Leroy, umpired games for 20 years; he was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed playing cards with his friends at the American Legion and watching the Game Show Network; he never passed up a bowl of ice cream, and more than anything, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Donnie Blakeman was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary; his daughter, Margaret; his parents; four brothers; and four sisters; and

WHEREAS, Donnie Blakeman is survived by his children, John F. (Shannon) Blakeman, Joseph Blakeman, Michael (Denise) Blakeman, Daniel Blakeman, Thomas Blakeman, and Mary "Missy" (Todd) Wemhoener; his grandchildren, Lauren Blakeman, John R. Blakeman, Katie Wemhoener, Dustin Blome, Aaron Blome, and Ashley Kochniarczyk; several great-grandchildren; his sister, Marilyn Wattelet; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Donald E. "Donnie" Blakeman 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 Donnie Blakeman as an expression of our deepest sympathy.