MEMORIAL-MILTON D. KELLY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chapin Rose

The Illinois Senate memorializes Milt Kelly for his lifelong service as a music educator, coach, civic leader, and faith community pillar in Fisher.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of SR0693 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose

SR0693 is a Senate Resolution memorializing and offering condolences for the death of Milton Dow "Milt" Kelly of Fisher, Illinois, who passed away on September 22, 2025.

The resolution serves as an official expression of sympathy from the Illinois Senate to Kelly’s family and recognizes his life and community contributions.

Key Provisions and Content

The resolution provides a biographical overview of Milt Kelly, highlighting:

Birth: March 15, 1949, in Champaign.
Education: Undergraduate and graduate degrees in music from the University of Illinois; trumpet performance in student groups.
Career in music education: Started in the Armstrong school district, then led the Fisher Community Unit School District’s music program for over 25 years. Managed and developed school bands and vocal ensembles; noted for high program quality.
Involvement in local music: Member of The Powell Family, taught private lessons.
Baseball and sports: Longtime baseball coach, involvement with local Little League, organized weekend summer pickup games, contribution to establishing Fisher High School baseball in the 1990s, and served as head coach for over 20 years; also coached golf; continued coaching in retirement and worked as a substitute teacher.
Civic service: Served on the Village of Fisher Board of Trustees for multiple terms and served as Mayor of Fisher in two stints, totaling nearly two decades.
Faith and community engagement: Deeply devoted to faith; helped form Fisher Community Church, attended CU Church; served as pastor and worship leader; led Bible studies.
Personal interests: Sports fan (St. Louis Cardinals, University of Illinois, Chicago Bears), enjoyed golf (achieved a hole-in-one in the year of his passing), valued family meals and gatherings.
Family: Survived by wife Connie; sons Ben (Nicole), Jon (Carolyn), and Nate (Jana); five grandchildren; brother Mike; nieces Julie and Lori.

The resolution states the Senate’s mourning of Milt Kelly’s passing and extends sincere condolences to his family, friends, and community.

Who/What is Affected

Formal recognition by the Illinois Senate of the life and service of Milt Kelly.

The family and community of Fisher, Illinois receive an official expression of sympathy and tribute.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

This is a memorial resolution, not a bill proposing statutory changes or appropriations.

It is sponsored by Senator — with Co-sponsor: Chapin Rose.

There are no fiscal implications or policy changes associated with the resolution; its effect is ceremonial, commemorative, and commemorative in nature.

Additional Notes

The resolution emphasizes Kelly’s multifaceted contributions as an educator, coach, community leader, and faith leader.

By recognizing his achievements and service, SR0693 aims to honor his impact on students, families, and the Fisher community.