SR1024 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1024 LRB100 14527 ALS 29315 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Rex L. Brown of Decatur, who passed away on September 10, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Rex Brown was born in Harvel to Lloyd and Helen Sanders Brown on October 3, 1930; during his youth, he helped run his family's grain farm, cattle ranch, and also Brown's Grocery; he attended Knox College and graduated from Illinois State University and University of Illinois Law School; and

WHEREAS, Rex Brown moved his family to Decatur so he could practice law; he was the Senior Partner at Brown, Hawkins & Basola; and

WHEREAS, Rex Brown was a member of the Decatur, Illinois State, and American Bar Associations; he was president of the Decatur Bar Association from 1996-1997; as a Bar committee member, he lobbied the County to provide the judicial robes for the Macon County Judges, a practice which continues today; in 1998, he was admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court, and he received the Illinois State Bar Association Board of Governors Award in 2002; he was an Adjunct Professor at Richland Community College where he taught business and real estate law; and

WHEREAS, Rex Brown was a prominent figure in the Republican Party; he was a member of the Young Republicans, a precinct committeeman for over 60 years, chairman of the Macon County Republican Party, and delegate to the National Convention; he served on the Macon County Board and was chairman for a year; he instituted the displaying of the United States flag in the courtrooms, and he commissioned and created the Macon County flag and Macon County seal, which are also displayed in the courtrooms; and

WHEREAS, Rex Brown served on, chaired, and was a trustee or member of numerous committees, including Illinois Standing Committee on Legal Services and Elder Law, General Assembly for the Illinois State Bar Association, Macon County Regional Planning Commission, Macon County Mental Health Association, the Oakley Dam and Reservoir Advisory Committee, Lincoln Trails Council for Boy Scouts, Elks Club, and the YMCA; he was a director of the Bank of Maroa and for the Metro Decatur Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Rex Brown played and managed various slow-pitch softball teams and traveled throughout the Midwest for championship tournaments; he enjoyed tent camping with his family and traveling; he was a devoted Illini fan and attended nearly every football and basketball game; he was the president of the Decatur Illini Club and hosted the Illini Sweet Corn Roast for over 25 years; he loved gardening, and he grew his own grapes and made his own wine; and

WHEREAS, Rex Brown was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Max; his sister, Carol Ann; and his stepmother, Helen Martin Brown; and

WHEREAS, Rex Brown is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn M.; his children, Bruce (Marilyn K.), Cynthia (Bill) Zimdar, Britt (Laurie), and Brad (Michelle); his ten grandchildren; his seven great-grandchildren; his sister, Sharon Rose Bright; and his sister-in-law, Sue Brown; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Rex L. Brown, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and those who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Rex Brown as an expression of our deepest sympathy.