Bill Text: IL SR0270 | 2021-2022 | 102nd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Monsignor William A. Watson.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2021-05-06 - Resolution Adopted [SR0270 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2021-SR0270-Introduced.html

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SR0270 LRB102 18312 ECR 26051 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
to learn of the death of Monsignor William A. Watson of Odell,
who passed away on April 27, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson was born to Jarlath M. and
Lucille M. (Johnson) Watson in Pontiac on March 9, 1936; he
graduated from St. Paul High School in 1954; he attended St.
Bede Prep Seminary in Peru, Illinois for two years and
graduated from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein in
1962; he was ordained by Bishop John B. Franz in Peoria in June
of 1962; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson's first parish assignment was at
St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rock Island; there, he served as
parochial vicar under Father Frank Casey; in 1969, he was
assigned to St. John's Newman Center in Champaign where he
assisted Monsignor Edward Duncan until 1981; at that time, he
became pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in Peoria Heights; he
remained pastor there until receiving his senior status in
2015 and then retired to Odell; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson embodied the true measure of a
priest, and his commitment to people was the hallmark of his
ministry; he was compassionate and kind and made a deep mark on

SR0270 - 2 - LRB102 18312 ECR 26051 r
those who knew him; his gentle leadership attracted a vibrant
and flourishing community of faith at St. Thomas, where he
oversaw the addition of St. Thomas School, an enlarged worship
space, and a new rectory; he will especially be remembered for
his Irish wit and humor and for the love he had for family and
friends; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson was preceded in death by his
brother-in-law, Bud Verdun; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson is survived by his one sister,
Catherine (Bud) Verdun; his three brothers, John (Peg) Watson,
Joe (Caroline) Watson, and Jim (Linda) Watson; his 16 nieces
and nephews; and his 51 great-nieces and great-nephews;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
Monsignor William A. Watson 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 Monsignor Watson as an expression
of our deepest sympathy.