SR1480 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1480 LRB098 22665 MST 61595 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Donald Pearson, Sr. of Champaign, who passed away on September 2, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Donald Pearson, Sr. was born in Urbana on January 15, 1943 to Margaret Hite and Onie Pearson, Jr.; he attended Champaign Unit 4 schools and took classes at Parkland College; he joined the United States Navy at age 17 and married Minnie Pearl Hemphill in Champaign on January 3, 1965; and

WHEREAS, Upon being discharged from the Navy, Donald Pearson, Sr. returned to Champaign and worked for the United States Postal Service; he then became a professional tradesman through the University of Illinois electrical apprentice program and quickly ascended through his field, becoming a journeyman electrician/sound technician at the U of I; he was employed on campus for several decades before retiring in 1994; and

WHEREAS, In recent years, Donald Pearson, Sr. worked part time at WBCP radio and owned The Generic DJ professional music service; he provided the musical accompaniment for countless wedding receptions, fundraisers, parties, picnics, and annual events such as the Gamma Upsilon Psi Cotillion and Champaign Park District Senior Holiday Affair; and

WHEREAS, Donald Pearson, Sr. loved to play cards and board games, watch Fighting Illini athletics, and listen to music; he and his wife enjoyed traveling, attending special events, and visiting family - in and outside of the continental United States; he was a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 601, and the William F. Earnest American Legion Post 559; he was also a life member of the NAACP of Champaign County; and

WHEREAS, Donald Pearson, Sr. was preceded in death by his father and mother; and

WHEREAS, Donald Pearson, Sr. is survived by his wife, Minnie; daughter, Lucretia (Otis) Williams; son, Donald "Deeno" Pearson, Jr.; 3 grandchildren, Brittney Schurvinske, Chumar Williams, and Britany Damery; step-father, Earl Smith; sister, Susan Smith Ross; goddaughter, Freida Johnson; and many siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Donald Pearson, Sr., 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 Donald Pearson, Sr. as an expression of our deepest sympathy.