SR0744 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0744 LRB098 15259 GRL 50269 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Carroll W. Dukes, who passed away on November 13, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Dukes was born on September 9, 1930 near Collison; his parents were William J. and Lily (nee Hess) Dukes; he married Mary Denzer on January 1, 1982; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Rossville High School in 1948, Carroll Dukes entered the United States Air Force, where he spent 30 months stationed in Japan prior to his discharge in 1952; after his discharge, he attended and graduated from Eastern Illinois University before attending Dickinson School of Law, an adjunct of Penn State University, where he graduated in 1958; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from law school, Carroll Dukes became an associate with the law firm of Sebat, Swanson, Banks, and Jones in Danville and shortly thereafter became a partner; in 1967, he and his associate, William Frivogel, opened C.W. Dukes Law Offices; in 1969, he was joined by John O'Rourke, and the firm of Dukes, O'Rourke, Stewart, Martin, and Ryan grew by another 8 attorneys; he retired in 2000 at the age of 70 from the firm currently known as Dukes, Ryan, Meyer, and Freed; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Dukes was a life member of the American Legion Spears-Dukes post in Rossville; he served on the Danville School Board from 1967 to 1970 and participated in various community functions over the years; he was a past member of St. James United Methodist Church, where he served as chairman of the administrative board and executive committee; he and his wife were also members of the Second Church of Christ in Danville for 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Dukes was a member of the American Bar Association, the Illinois Bar Association, the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the American Trial Lawyers Association, and the Vermilion County Bar Association; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Dukes enjoyed golfing, fishing, reading, and following Illini football and basketball, as well as cheering on the Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Dukes was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Martha; his brother, William J. Dukes; and his sisters, Norma Miller, Mabre Seymour, and Laverna (June) LaMar; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Dukes is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons, Steven W. (Irma) Dukes and William B. Dukes; his stepchildren, Daryn (Julie) Denzer, Daryl (Tonia) Denzer, and Shannon (Nick) Schneider; his 9 grandchildren; his 11 great-grandchildren; and his many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Carroll W. Dukes; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Carroll Dukes as an expression of our sympathy.