SR0504 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0504 LRB104 16125 ECR 29466 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Riley L. Owens III, the former Mayor of Centreville, who passed away on September 30, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Riley Owens received a bachelor's degree in urban planning from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and he was a lifelong member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; he served in the United States Air Force; and

WHEREAS, Riley Owens was a five-term Mayor of Centreville, and his first mayoral term marked the beginning of a lifetime of advocacy; he became a founding member of the National Conference of Black Mayors, underscoring his commitment to collaboration and urban development; and

WHEREAS, Riley Owens' leadership extended beyond Centreville; he chaired the East St. Louis Area Development Gateway Coordinating Council, and he served on the board of the Katherine Dunham Center for Arts and Humanities in East St. Louis and on the 50th Anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education Commission, promoting justice and equality; and

WHEREAS, Among his many achievements, Riley Owens was especially proud of his presidential appointments, which included serving as a local board member of the Selective Service System for Illinois in 1999 and later as a district appeal board member in 2014; over the years, he earned the respect of individuals across the political spectrum and had the honor of meeting Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, and George W. Bush; and

WHEREAS, Riley Owens was a familiar face in the Two Lane Terrace neighborhood of Centreville, where he lived with his family until his passing; he was often seen biking through the streets or walking to his parents' home for a morning cup of coffee; and

WHEREAS, Riley Owens found joy in creating work that celebrated his African American heritage, including carving masks, flutes, and other works; and

WHEREAS, Riley Owens was a pillar of his community who lived his life defined by public service; he leaves behind a lasting legacy of leadership and devotion to the people of Centreville and the greater region; 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 Riley L. Owens III, the former Mayor of Centreville, 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 Riley Owens as an expression of our deepest sympathy.