SR1107 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1107 LRB100 15685 ALS 30786 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert Theodore Carton of Rock Island, who passed away on November 11, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Bob Carton was born in Moline to Adiel and Augusta Carton on April 4, 1920; he graduated with honors from St. Ambrose College in 1942; he was a two-year captain of the basketball team and an All Conference Collegiate; he was later inducted into the St. Ambrose Basketball Hall of Fame; he was a World War II veteran and served in the European Theater at the Advanced Headquarters of the Ninth Air Force; he received the Bronze Star for meritorious service; he married Mary Evelyn Hagan, whom he met while serving in Germany; and

WHEREAS, Bob Carton began his career working with his mother at Carton's Grocery in Moline, the family business; he was later employed as Director of Employee Relations at the former Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company; he retired after 40 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Bob Carton, along with his wife, entered the Postulancy and Novitiate of the Third Order of St. Francis at Sacred Heart Church in Peoria and they were professed as Tertiaries in 1950; they were generous in support of Catholic mission projects; and

WHEREAS, Bob Carton was active in his community and served on the Board of Directors for Catholic Social Services, for Skills Incorporated, for Project Now, and for the Rock Island Chamber of Commerce; he was also a past president and longstanding member of the Rock Island Optimist Club; he enjoyed attending sporting events in support of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; his love of a good game was only surpassed by his love for the kids; and

WHEREAS, Bob Carton was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; his son, Benedict; his sons-in-law, Jerry Kline, Bob Sproston, and Bob Walas; his grandchildren, Kyle Sproston and Helen Carton; his sisters, Hilda, Ann, and Sister Mary Antonia O.S.F.; and his brothers, Rt. Rev. Msgr. George A. Carton, John, and Joseph; and

WHEREAS, Bob Carton is survived by his sons, Anthony (Cynthia), Leo (Mary), and Gerry; and his daughters, Barbara McAtee, Rita Sproston, Mary (John) Pocivasek, Ann Walas, and Regina Kline; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert Theodore Carton 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 Bob Carton as an expression of our deepest sympathy.