SR0190 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0190 LRB103 31846 MST 60480 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ralph Evan Johnson of Jacksonville, who passed away on April 6, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnson was born in Jacksonville to Everett and Margaret Murphy Johnson on September 29, 1932; he graduated from Routt Catholic High School in 1950; he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Austria; he married Agnes Jackson at Our Saviour Catholic Church on January 8, 1955; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnson farmed with his sons; he was a member of the local farm bureau and was named Outstanding Young Farmer by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnson served his community in many capacities, including as president of the Holy Name Society at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Franklin; he was a member of the Franklin Lions Club since 1957, serving as district cabinet secretary from 1964 to 1965, district governor, and chairman of the Council Governors from 1979 to 1980 for the Lions of Illinois; he was recognized by the Lions for 60 years of perfect attendance; he was also a member of the Lions of Illinois Foundation Board; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnson was a member of the Franklin School Board and Franklin American Legion Post 1089 for 50 years, serving as commissioner for seven years; he was a charter member of the Morgan County Sheriff's Office Merit Commission and was a precinct committeeman for Pisgah; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnson served with the Combined Veterans Ceremonial Team for 21 years and was commander for 15 years; he was a member of Our Saviour Catholic Church and a former member of Sacred Heart Church; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnson was preceded in death by his siblings, Helen Geimer, James Johnson, Margaret Burnett, Mary Fleischli, Harold Johnson, and Donald Johnson; his son, Ralph Evan Johnson Jr.; and his grandson, Samuel Evan Massalone; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnson is survived by his wife, Agnes; his children, Nancy (Steve) Decker, Everett (LeAnn) Johnson, Patricia (Mike) Elliott, Darryl (Stacy) Johnson, Karen (Mike) Roberts, Rebecca (Mark) Johnson-Dyer, and Christopher (Mindi) Johnson; his grandchildren, Jeremy (Bethany) Decker, Valerie (Danny) Krohe, Chad (Jessi) Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Erica Klendworth, Justin (Karrie) Johnson, Ashley (Andy) DeGroot, Jenna Johnson, Ryan (Katrina) Elliott, Alaina Elliott, Alex Johnson, Brandon (Autumn) Johnson, Mitchell Shade, Evan Shade, Emma Massalone, Anna Massalone, Ella Walters, Jason Roberts, Chris (Sam) Roberts, Erin (Matt) Fletcher, Dan (Angie) Roberts, Kennadi Johnson, Kamdyn Johnson, and Kai Johnson; his great-grandchildren, Colton Decker, Caleb Decker, Jayla Johnson, Adia Killebrew, Avia Lowe, Ryder King, Amelia Krohe, Declan Krohe, Miley Klendworth, Maddy Klendworth, Knox Klendworth, Owen DeGroot, Cash Elliott, Shaylie Elliott, Jack Edwards, Mia Johnson, Sully Roberts, Kate Roberts, Margaret Roberts, Bridget Roberts, Theo Fletcher, and Cooper Ray; and his brother, Robert (Judy) Johnson; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Ralph Evan Johnson 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 Ralph Johnson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.