Bill
SR 414
Illinois Senate memorializes Earl E. 'Skip' Rueter Jr., mourning his passing and extending condolences to his family; honors his military service, dairy career, and civic work.
Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced: April 14, 2025
Classification: Senate resolution
Note on document contents
- The materials provided appear to contain two separate memorial resolutions that were combined in one file:
1. A Georgia Senate resolution dedicating a bridge in memory of Deputy Daryl Wayne Smallwood (text names Georgia locations and the Georgia Department of Transportation).
2. An Illinois Senate memorial resolution honoring Earl E. "Skip" Rueter Jr. (biographical obituary-style language, clearly marked as the Illinois Senate).
- The numbered title provided (SR 414 — MEMORIAL — EARL E. RUETER JR.) and sponsor list indicate the primary requested summary is for the Rueter memorial, but the Smallwood bridge dedication text is also included. Summaries for both follow.
Purpose and intent
- To formally mourn the passing of Earl E. "Skip" Rueter Jr. and to extend the Illinois Senate’s condolences to his family, friends, and community.
Key provisions
- Acknowledges Rueter’s life and service: born September 2, 1940; military service as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division; long career at Prairie Farms Dairy (retired as plant manager after 38 years); extensive civic and community involvement (Exchange/Quincy Service Club, Drum & Bugle Corps, Quinsippi Soccer League, Cedar Crest Country Club, Salem Church).
- Records his date of death (August 22, 2025), surviving family, and those preceded in death.
- Resolves that the Illinois Senate mourns his passing and that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to his family as an expression of sympathy.
Who is affected
- Primarily ceremonial: family, friends, civic organizations in Quincy, IL, and constituents who knew or were served by Rueter.
Procedural/timeline aspects
- Resolution language modeled as a standard Senate condolence resolution. According to the provided log, the resolution was filed and adopted through typical Senate procedures; a copy is to be presented to the family.
Impact
- No legal or fiscal effects. Purely honorary and ceremonial.
Purpose and intent
- To dedicate a named bridge in Peach County, GA, in memory of Deputy Daryl Wayne Smallwood and honor his law‑enforcement and military service.
Key provisions
- Designates the bridge on State Route 247 over Interstate 75 in Peach County as the “Deputy Daryl Smallwood Memorial Bridge.”
- Directs the Georgia Department of Transportation to erect and maintain appropriate dedicatory signage.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide copies of the resolution to Deputy Smallwood’s family and to the Department of Transportation.
Background & who is affected
- Honors Deputy Smallwood’s career: U.S. Marine Corps service and multiple sheriff’s office postings (Dooly County, Crisp County, Peach County). Notes he was killed in November 2016 while responding to a call.
- Affects state DOT (sign installation/maintenance) and Smallwood’s family and community (ceremonial recognition).
Procedural/timeline aspects
- According to the provided actions log, the resolution was read, adopted, and reported enrolled in mid‑April 2025. The DOT is authorized to act to install signs.
Recommendation
- Because the file appears to conflate two distinct SR 414 texts from different states, consult the official legislative records for the relevant state (Illinois General Assembly for the Rueter memorial; Georgia General Assembly for the Smallwood bridge dedication) to confirm final enrolled texts, official sponsors by state, and any administrative follow-up (e.g., DOT sign installation dates or presentation to the family).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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