MEMORIAL-HOWARD L. BEAGLES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Steve McClure

The bill expresses the Illinois Senate’s condolences and honors Howard Lane Beagles for his public safety service, faith, and community contributions.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of SR 779 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and Intent

SR 779 is a Senate Memorial resolution honoring the life and service of Howard Lane Beagles, who passed away on April 13, 2026.

The resolution fulfills a ceremonial function to publicly mourn his death and express condolences to his family and friends.

It recognizes Beagles’ life, faith, public service, and contributions to his community.

Key Provisions and Changes

The resolution provides a formal statement of mourning and sympathy from the Illinois Senate.

It includes a biographical summary highlighting:

Birth: July 9, 1928, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Early life: Raised in Springfield, Illinois, with involvement in family and community activities.
Military service: U.S. Navy beginning in spring 1946, including post-World War II work refurbishing battleships.
Family: Marriage to Mary Anne Renfro (Feb 2, 1948) and her passing in 2010; children and extended family noted.
Career: Employment at Allis Chalmers; long tenure with the Springfield Fire Department (1960–1990), retired as fire marshal.
Faith and community service: Catholic faith; active in Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, parish activities, PTA leadership, bingo nights, ice cream socials, parish dinners, and St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Personal life: Enjoyed pinochle, travel to visit family, and later life arrangements living with various family members in Illinois and Tennessee.
Death and survivors: Preceded in death by a son; survived by multiple children, 15 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren (with one more anticipating birth).

The resolution declares the Senate’s condolences and directs that a suitable copy be presented to Beagles’ family.

Affected Parties

Primary: Howard Lane Beagles (deceased).

Secondary: Beagles’ family, relatives, friends, and the broader community that honors public service and faith-based community involvement.

Legislative body: Illinois Senate, which issues the memorial resolution.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Action History:

Filed with Secretary on May 7, 2026.
Co-sponsor: All Senators (noted on the action date).
Referred to Resolutions Consent Calendar on May 7, 2026.

Sponsor: Co-sponsor Steve McClure.

This is a ceremonial, non-binding resolution; it does not alter law or appropriation but serves to publicly acknowledge and commemorate an individual’s life and service.

Overall Impact

The bill serves as an official expression of respect and sympathy from the Illinois Senate.

It highlights Beagles’ dedication to public safety, faith-based community work, and family, contributing to the historical record of notable Illinois residents.