SR0804 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0804 LRB096 22145 KXB 40810 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Howard W. Robertson of Highland, who passed away on April 12, 2010; and

WHEREAS, He was born August 26, 1934, in Springfield, Missouri; he graduated from Granite City High School in 1952; he received a full football scholarship to the University of Missouri, where he played all four years; he was also a member of the ROTC and graduated with a BS in agriculture; and

WHEREAS, He entered the United States Army as a second lieutenant; he served with the First Artillery Division (Big Red One); he and his wife moved to Highland in 1959, where he opened The Howard Robertson State Farm Agency, which is still operating in Highland; he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, the University of Missouri Alumni Association and many organizations in Highland; for years, he was a member of the football chain gang at every Highland football game; and

WHEREAS, He and his wife traveled extensively, to every continent, enjoyed motorhome travel, had a winter home in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and have spent winter time in Sarasota, Florida; and

WHEREAS, He was a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, Church Consistory, and Sunday School Teacher (8th grade and high school); the Highland Rotary Club (joined in 1961), president (1956-66), Paul Harris Fellow, and hosted three foreign exchange students; Highland Community Schools Unit District 5 board member (1967-1983); he was a Highland Lodge 583, AF & AM (Mason) member; Ainad Temple AAONOMS (Shriners), East St. Louis, member; Silver Lake Shrine Club, treasurer; Hannah White Shrine-Past Watchman of the Shepherds member; Order of Demolay-founder of Highland Chapter member; Faith Countryside Homes, past president; Alpine Savings Bank (later Highland Savings and Loan), founding board member; Weinheimer Community Center basketball coach and board of directors member; Highland Police Commission, board member; Highland Little League Football-coach; and he was associated with the Punt-Pass-Kick program for many years in Highland; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Thomas Robertson, and mother, Molene Mellie, nee Nelson, Robertson; and

WHEREAS, Howard W. Robertson is survived by his wife, Norma J., nee Massman, Robertson, whom he married on June 4, 1955, in Madison; his daughters, Lisa J. (Don) Hunsche, and Cathy L. (special friend, John P. Deppe) Robertson; his son, Howard E. (Terry) Robertson; his grandchildren, Shannon M. Robertson, Jerri Katherine Robertson, Garrett N. Robertson, and Michelle C. Hunsche; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Howard W. Robertson; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Howard W. Robertson as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.