SR0602 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0602 LRB096 20046 KXB 35553 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Edward F. Dillard Jr. of Hinsdale, the father of State Senator Kirk Dillard; and

WHEREAS, Edward F. Dillard Jr. was born and raised on Chicago's North Side and was a graduate of Lake View High School; he earned the title of most valuable player in both basketball and baseball and played in an all-star competition at Wrigley Field; in his late teens, Mr. Dillard also had a brief stint in baseball's minor leagues, playing second base in the Pittsburgh Pirates' organization; and

WHEREAS, In 1946, Mr. Dillard joined the Army and toured the country playing baseball; he used his love of the game to break down racial barriers during the late 1940s as the organizer and captain of one of the United States Army's first interracial baseball teams; and

WHEREAS, After his military discharge he received a bachelor's degree in education from Indiana University and a master's degree in history from DePaul University; he taught history for nearly 40 years at Hinsdale Central High School, where he also enjoyed coaching baseball; he retired in 1993; and

WHEREAS, He is remembered as a kind, generous soul and a mentor to many of the younger teachers at Hinsdale Central High School; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dillard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martina; his son, State Senator Kirk Dillard; his daughters, Karyn "Mina" Dillard-Gits and Kimberly Dillard-Schaeffer; his brother, William; and his six grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family, friends, former colleagues and students, the passing of Edward Dillard; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Edward Dillard Jr. as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.