Senate Resolution 565 is a memorial resolution passed by the Illinois Senate to mourn the death of Dean E. Williams, a Springfield resident and prominent film industry professional who founded the Central Illinois Film Commission. The resolution extends condolences to his family and highlights his contributions, including working on over 160 film productions like *The Blues Brothers* and *Legally Blonde 2*, and promoting film production in Central Illinois. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes his legacy in the creative community.
This is a ceremonial memorial resolution (SR 534), not a substantive bill. It formally expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences upon the death of Robert Eugene "Bob" Leistner of Springfield, who passed away on November 18, 2025. The resolution details his life, career (including 28 years at M.J. Kellner Company), community service, and family, but contains no policy provisions or changes to law. It has no direct effect on any laws, programs, or constituents.
This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 516) honoring Russell Stewart Anders, a Springfield resident who died on October 10, 2025. The resolution commemorates his life, noting his 40+ year career in plumbing, service in the U.S. Navy, community involvement (including annual Santa Claus appearances), and family. It expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences to his surviving family members and serves as a formal tribute. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on any individuals or laws.
This is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 535) honoring the late Irvin F. "Irv" Smith, a former Illinois State Representative (1980-1982) and Springfield City Alderperson (1987-2007). The resolution commemorates his life and service, highlighting his career as an educator, coach, community leader, and Republican Party chairman in Springfield. It has no policy effect and serves solely as a formal expression of condolence from the Illinois Senate to his family. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 14, 2026.
This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 520) mourning the death of Joe Coleman of Pana, Illinois. It honors his life, noting his businesses, community involvement (including Masonic lodges and car collections), family, and service as a father and grandfather. The resolution formally expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences to his family and friends. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on laws - it simply commemorates his passing. The Senate adopted it unanimously on January 14, 2026.
This is a memorial resolution (SR 564) adopted by the Illinois Senate on January 14, 2026, to honor Robert "Bob" Lott, a Menard County resident and former county commissioner who died on December 26, 2025. The resolution expresses the Senate's condolences to Lott's family, including his children, grandchildren, and extended relatives, and recognizes his community service, such as his work with Athens Park and his decades-long involvement in local business. As a procedural memorial, it has no policy provisions or direct impact beyond extending formal sympathy.
This is a commemorative Senate resolution (SR 553) honoring John Mark Smith of Springfield, who died on December 15, 2025. The resolution formally mourns his passing and extends condolences to his family, recognizing his 31-year career with the Springfield Police Department, later work at the Illinois Department of Revenue, and service to his community. It was adopted by the Illinois Senate on January 14, 2026, as a gesture of respect for his life and legacy. As a memorial resolution, it does not create any policy changes or affect any laws or regulations.
SR 568 is a memorial resolution honoring Riley L. Owens III, the late former Mayor of Centreville, Illinois, who died on September 30, 2025. The resolution expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences to his family and community, recognizing his five-term mayoral service, founding role in the National Conference of Black Mayors, and work with organizations like the Katherine Dunham Center. It does not create new policy or affect any laws; it is a formal expression of respect for his legacy of public service. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Illinois Senate on January 14, 2026.
Senate Resolution 541 is a ceremonial memorial resolution honoring Deborah K. "Debbie" Zilm of Carlinville, Illinois, who died on December 1, 2025. The resolution, adopted by the Illinois Senate on January 14, 2026, expresses condolences to her family and community while recognizing her life and contributions, including her work in local retail businesses (Main Street Florist and Bridal), service to the Carlinville Chamber of Commerce, and involvement in community events like the Christmas Market. It has no policy or legal effect, as it is a formal expression of sympathy for a deceased resident.
SR 550 is a memorial resolution honoring June Carol Porter, an educator and community leader from Chicago who passed away in December 2025. The resolution, adopted by the Illinois Senate in January 2026, expresses condolences to her family and recognizes her 30+ years as director of Adult Literacy for Literacy Chicago, her work in Chicago Public Schools, her authorship of a children's book, and her lifelong service to the United Methodist Church and civic organizations. This procedural resolution does not create policy or affect any group; it solely serves as a formal expression of the Senate's mourning for her passing.
This is a ceremonial Senate resolution mourning the death of Marcus M. "Mark" Olson of Peoria, who passed away January 3, 2026. It honors his life as an electrical engineer (retired from Caterpillar), hockey pioneer who co-founded the Peoria Blades, and community leader, highlighting his athletic achievements, family, and decades of service. The Illinois Senate adopted the resolution on January 14, 2026, to extend condolences to his family. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on constituents.
This is a memorial resolution (SR 566) passed by the Illinois Senate to honor Wayne Allen Gurnsey, who died on January 1, 2026. The resolution expresses the Senate's condolences to his family, including his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended relatives, and commemorates his life as a farmer, banker, Mason, and devoted family man. It does not create any new laws or affect policies, as it is a ceremonial expression of sympathy. The Senate unanimously adopted the resolution on January 14, 2026.
