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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

  
 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to 
3learn of the death of Robert Earl Downing of Taylor Ridge, who 
4passed away on April 24, 2017; and
  
 
5    WHEREAS, Robert Downing was born in Rock Island to John L. 
6Downing and Grace M. Durling on March 11, 1925; he graduated 
7from Rock Island High School in 1943 and attended Augustana 
8College, where he held the high jump record for many years; he 
9enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, where he attained 
10the rank of second lieutenant and served as a navigator for the 
1164th Bombardment Squadron; he married Reita Katherine Amy on 
12February 10, 1951; and
  
 
13    WHEREAS, After his military service, Robert Downing worked 
14as a clerk for the Rock Island Post Office and retired after 34 
15years; and
  
 
16    WHEREAS, Robert Downing was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs 
17and Iowa Hawkeyes; he enjoyed square dancing, bowling, golfing, 
18hiking, and eating at Maid-rite, Whitey's, and Harris Pizza; he 
19and his wife spent their winters in Arizona and his  family 
20would often mail him care packages during their winters there; 
21and
  
 
 
 
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1    WHEREAS, Robert Downing was preceded in death by his wife 
2of 65 years, Reita; his parents; his brother, John R. (Evelyn) 
3Downing; and his beloved dog, Snoopy; and
  
 
4    WHEREAS, Robert Downing is survived by his brother-in-law, 
5Richard H. Amy; his nephew, Richard (Kay) Amy; his niece, Reita 
6(Michael) Kuster; five great-nephews; one great-niece; and 12 
7great-greats; his  great-nephews, Rickey (Krystle) and Matt 
8(Chelsea) Kuster; and his great-niece, Gail (DJ) Hahn; 
9therefore, be it
  
 
10    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL 
11ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
12Robert Earl Downing, and extend our sincere condolences to his 
13family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it 
14further
  
 
15    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
16presented to  the family of  Robert Downing as an expression of 
17our deepest sympathy.