SR0953 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0953 LRB103 40407 LAW 72712 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Richard M. Hadfield of Springfield, who passed away on April 1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Richard Hadfield was born to Earl and Wilma (Merrell) Hadfield in Ewing, Missouri on October 18, 1931; he attended Ewing schools, where he excelled in math and science and played basketball; he received an associate's degree from Hannibal LaGrange College, where he played as a guard and center on the school's basketball team; he earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Missouri in 1954; he then volunteered to serve in the Veterinary Corps of the U.S. Army and was stationed in California for the two years of his service; he married Connie Lou Murphy in 1957; he earned his Master of Arts from Truman University; he received his Educational Specialist degree from Western Illinois University; he participated in the doctoral program at Illinois State University; and

WHEREAS, During his summers in college, Richard Hadfield worked as a roughneck in the oil fields in Midland, Texas; he also helped his grandfather on the family farm and worked in the farm co-op that his father managed; and

WHEREAS, Upon beginning his career in education, Richard Hadfield taught trigonometry, calculus, and various science and agriculture courses in high schools in Ilasco and Hannibal, Missouri; he was hired as superintendent of Meredosia-Chambersburg Community Unit School District (CUSD) #11 in Illinois in 1962, where he led the effort to construct a new junior high school building and gymnasium; he continued his career as superintendent of El Paso-Gridley CUSD #11 in 1972, where he pursued the construction of a new grade school; he then served as superintendent of Williamsville-Sherman CUSD #15, where he provided 16 years of exemplary service until his retirement in 1994; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Richard Hadfield took his position as superintendent beyond its traditional role, maintaining his commercial driver's license (CDL) to assist with transporting teams, visiting with support staff daily, rarely missing any extracurricular programs, and often sponsoring various field trips, including teaching students skiing in the winters and water skiing in the summers; throughout his tenure as superintendent, he retained his impassioned focus on the welfare and future of his students; and

WHEREAS, Richard Hadfield served on many boards and committees, including the Illinois Educators Credit Union for over 30 years, the Sangamon Menard County Regional Board of Trustees, the Sangamon State University Round Table, the Sangamon County Schoolmasters, the Sangamon Area Special Education District, the Meredosia Lions Club, the Kiwanis Clubs of El Paso and Williamsville/Sherman, and the Calvary Church Board; and

WHEREAS, Richard Hadfield was an avid boater and water skier, and he enjoyed his home on the Lake of the Ozarks, where he spent most of his time during retirement; he also enjoyed golfing with friends; and

WHEREAS, Richard Hadfield committed to his faith at an early age, becoming known for living as a model of its teachings; above all else, he was a devoted husband and father who dedicated most of his free time to his family and church; and

WHEREAS, Richard Hadfield was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Roger and Ramon Hadfield; and

WHEREAS, Richard Hadfield is survived by his wife, Connie Hadfield; his daughter, MayeBeth Hadfield; his sister, Ruth Ann (Barr) McReynolds; his sisters-in-law, Shirley Hadfield and Donna Hadfield; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins; 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 Richard M. Hadfield 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 Richard Hadfield as an expression of our deepest sympathy.