HR0621 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0621 LRB098 14433 MST 49119 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Robert W. Duncan of Marion, who passed away on October 12, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Robert Duncan was born on December 20, 1920 in Marion to Absalom Wesley and Nellie Mae (nee Drake) Duncan; he graduated from Marion High School and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale for 3 years before joining the United States Navy; he married Evelyn Russell on March 7, 1943 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, Robert Duncan joined the Navy at age 21 and had a 26-year military career; he was one of the original members of the "Fighting Five" of the USS Yorktown, also dubbed "The Fighting Lady"; he earned the title "Fighter Ace" for the numerous successful aerial combat missions he was involved in during World War II; in recognition of his success, he was awarded the Navy Cross, the Navy's highest honor for extraordinary heroism, skilled airmanship, courage, and gallant devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming opposition; he was credited with flying more than 100 missions during World War II and the Korean War; he was honorably discharged in 1966 with the rank of naval captain; his exploits in the air were documented in 2007 in a History Channel series entitled "Dogfights", about World War II fighter pilots; and

WHEREAS, Robert Duncan became a real estate broker with Rodd Realty of Marion for several years following his retirement from the Navy; and

WHEREAS, Robert Duncan served as Chairman of the Williamson County Regional Airport Board for 21 years, President of the Illinois Regional Airport Association, and Vice-President of Central Technology, Incorporated of Herrin; he was also a member of Marion Elks Lodge Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 800, a 32nd Degree Mason, and a lifetime member of the Marion Veterans of Foreign Wars Heyde-Pillow Post 1301; in 2001, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce; he was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Marion; and

WHEREAS, Robert Duncan was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Carl Duncan; and

WHEREAS, Robert Duncan is survived by his wife, Evelyn Duncan; his daughter, Janice L. (Scott) Magruder; his son, Steven L. Duncan; his grandson, David (Crystal) Magruder; his granddaughter, Heather (Brian) Townsend; his great-granddaughters, Devon Hayley Magruder and Madalynn Grace Magruder; and other extended family and many friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert W. Duncan 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 Robert Duncan as an expression of our deepest sympathy.