Bill Text: IL HR1040 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of W. Eric Turner.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2026-09-30 - Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth [HR1040 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2025-HR1040-Introduced.html

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HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representative are saddened to learn of the death of W. Eric
Turner, who passed away on August 29, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Eric Turner was born on March 6, 1947; he served
in the United States Army during the Vietnam era from 1966 to
1968; he received a bachelor's degree in management from the
University of Illinois and a master's degree in marketing from
DePaul University; he was a member of Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity, Inc. during his collegiate years; and
WHEREAS, Eric Turner worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 41
years, first serving in marketing and human resources before
retiring as a global product manager in 2010; and
WHEREAS, Eric Turner was elected as an at-large
representative on the Peoria City Council in 1995, and he went
on to serve six terms over 24 years, becoming the
longest-serving member of the council and the longest-serving
African American council member in Peoria's history; he also
served as deputy liquor commissioner for two decades; and
WHEREAS, Eric Turner contributed to numerous boards and
committees focused on public safety, neighborhood development,

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transportation, and community growth; he was widely recognized
for his dedication to Peoria's neighborhoods, hosting monthly
community meetings and supporting initiatives that
strengthened local organizations; he was also deeply invested
in youth programs, including helping launch the East Bluff
Rebound basketball program; and
WHEREAS, Eric Turner was honored when the W. Eric Turner
Scholarship at Illinois Central College was created in his
name; and
WHEREAS, Eric Turner will be remembered for his calm
leadership, integrity, and commitment to helping others; he
often advised others to be a good friend to all and to say what
you mean and mean what you say; and
WHEREAS, Eric Turner is survived by his wife, Roxanne
Turner; his children, Marjorie (June) Alexander, William (Pat)
and (Michelle) Turner, Tim (Kristi) Turner, and LaCorey
Turner; 15 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we mourn the passing of W. Eric Turner and extend our sincere
condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved

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him; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the family of Eric Turner as an expression of our
deepest sympathy.