SR1343LRB103 43568 ECR 76908 r

1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened 
3to learn of the death of Garland Eugene Criswell of Peoria, who 
4passed away on November 9, 2024; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Garland Criswell was born to Homer and Ruby 
6(Reames) Criswell in Lake Cicott, Indiana on October 3, 1927; 
7he served in the U.S. Army; he married Joan Devening in East 
8Chicago, Indiana on March 18, 1951; he received his bachelor's 
9degree in social service from Indiana University and his 
10master's degree in education counseling from Bradley 
11University; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Garland Criswell worked as a certified social 
13worker and made a lasting impact in his field while devoting 
14much of his life to advocating for those in need; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Garland Criswell served as director of the 
16Friendship House, minister of visitation and pastor of older 
17adults at First Baptist Church, and as lieutenant governor and 
18president of Division 20 of the Kiwanis Club of Peoria; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Garland Criswell was a member of the Northside 
20Action Council and the Public Aid Citizens Advisory, and he 
21was a longtime member of the National Association of Social 
 
 
SR1343- 2 -LRB103 43568 ECR 76908 r

1Workers and the Peoria Ministerial Association; he also served 
2on the Peoria Housing Commission; and
 
3    WHEREAS, Garland Criswell was known for his dedication to 
4the well-being of others, and he will be remembered for his 
5service to his community; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Garland Criswell was preceded in death by his 
7wife of 67 years, Joan; his parents; his daughter, Janice; and 
8his sister, Donna Lax; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Garland Criswell is survived by his children, 
10Kent (Nancy) Criswell, Cherilyn (Daniel) Wilson, and Susan 
11Engstrom; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 
12several nieces and nephews; therefore, be it
 
13    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL 
14ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
15Garland Eugene Criswell and extend our sincere condolences to 
16his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it 
17further
 
18    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
19presented to the family of Garland Criswell as an expression 
20of our deepest sympathy.