SR0111 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0111 LRB103 31236 LAW 58220 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Michael Ray "Mike" Cooper of Hamilton, who passed away on January 30, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Mike Cooper was born to Albert Leroy and Margaret Maxine (West) Cooper in Keokuk, Iowa on April 9, 1958; he served in the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Storm and was stationed in Germany; he also served in the National Guard for 13 years; he was honorably discharged; and

WHEREAS, Mike Cooper was employed as a caretaker at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa from 1999 until his retirement in 2019; and

WHEREAS, Mike Cooper was a member of the Hamilton VFW; during his free time, he enjoyed watching TV, listening to the radio, and hunting for mushrooms and geodes; he loved taking drives around the area, and he frequented Menards and Casey's; his favorite hobbies included the Wordscapes app and photography; and

WHEREAS, Mike Cooper was known for his big heart and for always helping others; and

WHEREAS, Mike Cooper was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Albert "Punk" Cooper and Roger Cooper; his sister, Norma Jones; and his grandson, Christopher Gonzales; and

WHEREAS, Mike Cooper is survived by his daughter, Brooke Cooper; his sister, Marge Vickers; his grandchildren, Chance Cooper and Nathan Gonzales; his great-grandson, Cohan Michael Cooper; his several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his cats, Snowball and Tawny; 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 Michael Ray "Mike" Cooper 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 Mike Cooper as an expression of our deepest sympathy.