SR0232

LRB096 12457 KXB 25458 r






1

SENATE RESOLUTION


 
2
    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to 
3
learn of the death of Donald Adkins of Batavia, who passed away 
4
on April 7, 2009; and

 
5
    WHEREAS, He was born on August 6, 1923, in Elgin, the only 
6
child of Ruth Hollingsworth and Donald Adkins; he was raised by 
7
his lovely and loving grandmother, Tena Hollingsworth; and

 
8
    WHEREAS, During World War II, he served as a meteorologist 
9
and studied at the University of Iowa, Vanderbilt University, 
10
and the University of Chicago; wherever he was stationed, he 
11
was called upon each week to play his saxophone and clarinet, 
12
wherever music was needed, as he had done up and down the Fox 
13
Valley during his high school years; when he was discharged 
14
after the war, he attended Illinois State (Normal) University, 
15
where he continued with his music as a member of the 
16
Blackfriars; he graduated from Illinois State University in 
17
June 1948 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and did 
18
graduate work at the University of Chicago and Northern 
19
Illinois University, where he earned advanced degrees in 
20
administration and in guidance; he also served in several 
21
leadership roles in the Phi Delta Kappa educational fraternity; 
22
and

 
 


 






SR0232
- 2 -
LRB096 12457 KXB 25458 r




1
    WHEREAS, He spent his career in education at Mooseheart, 
2
starting as a fifth grade teacher in 1951 and retiring as the 
3
director of education in 1991; he was respected and loved by 
4
his colleagues and students; he was a counselor, mentor and 
5
friend; and

 
6
    WHEREAS, He is remembered for his humor, his smile, and 
7
that he loved to be around people; he enjoyed conversation, and 
8
made others happy with his humor, laughter, and quick wit; and

 
9
    WHEREAS, Donald Adkins was preceded in death by his 
10
parents; his grandmother; his son, Gerard Joseph; and his 
11
stepmother, Loretta Adkins; and
 
12
    WHEREAS, Donald Adkins is survived by his wife of 58 years, 
13
Barbara; his children, Catherine (Rear Admiral Rick) Ruehe, 
14
Charles Donald (Marianne Linn), and William Francis (Mary 
15
Ellen); and his grandchildren, Emily (Andrew) Ruehe Puckett and 
16
Eric Ruehe; therefore, be it

 
17
    RESOLVED, BY THE  SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL 
18
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with 
19
his family and friends, the passing of Donald Adkins; and be it 
20
further

 
21
    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
 


 






SR0232
- 3 -
LRB096 12457 KXB 25458 r




1
presented to the family of Donald Adkins as a symbol of our 
2
sincere sympathy.