SR1031 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1031 LRB100 14580 MST 29376 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Carl E. Dawson, who passed away on August 16, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Carl Dawson was born in Chicago to Dorothy Bush and Robert Dawson on June 16, 1930; his family lived in the West Woodlawn and Englewood neighborhoods before moving to Georgetown, where he attended elementary and high school; while in high school, he became a star on the track team and held the high jump record for many years; in his last year, he won four different track honors; and

WHEREAS, Carl Dawson returned to Chicago to work at the United States Post Office; at 21 years of age, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to Korea for two years, serving as a corporal; he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defence Service Medal; he received an honorable discharge in 1953 and was transferred to the Marine Reserve until 1959; and

WHEREAS, In March of 1954, Carl Dawson returned to work at the post office; he married Grace J. Graves on October 6, 1954 and they had two sons, Carlton and Clark, a grandson, Kyle, and a granddaughter, Clarke; and

WHEREAS, Carl Dawson and his wife sponsored five Ethiopian children, bringing them to Chicago, becoming their American parents, mentoring them, nurturing them, and guiding them into adulthood; he also shared his home with friends and relatives who were in need; and

WHEREAS, In 1961, Carl Dawson took the federal entrance exam and started working for the Veterans Administration; after 10 years in many positions there, he moved to the United States Department of Labor, where he rose to the position of assistant director and received numerous awards for outstanding service; he returned to college and graduated from Roosevelt University in 1970; and

WHEREAS, Carl Dawson served as a deacon and trustee and sang in the choir at his church; he taught high school and college mathematics at Greater Bethesda's Saturday Free School; and

WHEREAS, Carl Dawson was a Scout Leader, president of civic clubs, and a member of The Chicago Assembly; he participated in Toastmaster organizations and enjoyed chess and golf; he always encouraged his wife, sons, and grandson to do their personal best; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Carl E. Dawson, 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 Carl Dawson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.