HR0729 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0729 LRB104 21163 LAW 35545 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of John Alden Smith Jr., who passed away on March 4, 2026; and

WHEREAS, John Smith was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 3, 1944; he served in the United States Army from September 27, 1963 to September 26, 1966, attaining the rank of specialist four and serving as a field radio repairman; for his honorable service, he received the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Carbine Bar, and the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, reflecting the discipline, skill, and sense of duty that remained evident throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, After his military service, John Smith dedicated 37 years to the telecommunications industry through Western Electric, Illinois Bell, and Lucent Technologies, contributing to the communications infrastructure that helped support the growth of modern technology and keeping faith with the value of hard work throughout his long career; and

WHEREAS, John Smith was a man of deep faith who lived a life of service through his church and community, sharing fellowship through the Lillydale First Baptist Church Choir, serving through New Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, assisting others through the food pantry, volunteering with the Village of Hazel Crest Veterans Commission, and remaining active with VFW Post 311; and

WHEREAS, John Smith was fiercely loyal and unquestionably reliable, a man whose word could be trusted, whose presence could be counted on, and whose devotion to those he loved never had to be questioned; he showed his family, his neighbors, and all who knew him that character is built by steady action, faithful service, and the daily discipline of doing the right thing over and over again; and

WHEREAS, John Smith served as a father figure to many throughout his neighborhood and community, taking people under his wing, feeding them, advising them, correcting them, and helping prepare them for the future because he cared deeply about what they would become and possessed a sincere desire to see them live better, stronger, more disciplined lives; and

WHEREAS, John Smith never met a stranger, and he spoke to people others might ignore, welcomed those others might overlook, and made room for people who needed family, friendship, direction, or simply to be seen, reminding all who encountered him that dignity belongs to everyone; and

WHEREAS, John Smith was affectionately known as "Mr. Smith John" to many, a title that reflected not only familiarity, but deep respect, love, and gratitude for the role he played in the lives of so many; he was a truly extraordinary man who leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, service, and steadfast devotion to his faith, family, and community; and

WHEREAS, John Smith was the devoted husband of Marva for over 61 years; the proud father of Lorie Wilson, Carla (William) Gamble, Matthew Smith, and the late Danita Smith; the loving grandfather of Cameron Lee, Lauren Wilson, Peyton Gamble, Quentin Gamble, Kellen Gamble, Alden Smith, and Alexander Smith; the proud great-grandfather of Camoni Lee; an honorable veteran; a devoted servant of his faith; and a beloved patriarch whose life enriched and strengthened all who knew him; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John Alden Smith Jr. 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 John Smith as an expression of our deepest sympathy.