SR0359 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0359 LRB104 14047 LAW 27179 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Gary E. Pierce, who passed away on June 1, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Gary Pierce was born to Willard and Ruby (Thomas) Pierce in Springfield on February 6, 1943; in his very early youth, his father passed away, and he was then raised by his mother and stepfather, Arlo "Poppy" Griffin; he attended Feitshans High School in Springfield, where he was an all-star basketball player; he then served in the Illinois Air National Guard from 1964 to 1970; he married Barbara "Barb" Means in Peoria on October 31, 1970; and

WHEREAS, Gary Pierce worked at Hyster in Peoria before working as a machinist at Komatsu, retiring after 30 years of service; during his career, he was a proud member of International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 158; and

WHEREAS, Gary Pierce was an avid reader of mystery and history books, possessing a personal collection of over 1,500 novels and historical documentaries; he and his wife, Barb, loved traveling around the globe, often returning to Asia to visit Thailand, Hong Kong, Cambodia, China, and Bali, Indonesia, and spending cherished time with their son in Taipei, Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, Gary Pierce was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather; and his sister, Janice; and

WHEREAS, Gary Pierce is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barb; his son, Douglas (Liv) Pierce, along with his lifelong best friend and chosen brother, Dustin Durr; his siblings, Linda (Loren) Larsen and Robert Pierce; his niece, Lori; and his nephews, Lane and Brian; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Gary E. Pierce 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 Gary Pierce as an expression of our deepest sympathy.