IL SR1397

Honors Era Eugene "Gene" Callahan of Springfield, who passed away on August 4, 2014, at the age of 80.

Callahan served as a political reporter for the Illinois State Register (predecessor to State Journal-Register), wrote a daily column called Callagrams, and held positions as deputy press secretary to Governors Samuel Shapiro and Otto Kerner and Lt. Governor Paul Simon.

Served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Alan Dixon during Dixon's tenure as Illinois State Treasurer, Secretary of State, and Senator; also directed Government Relations for Major League Baseball and served on Southern Illinois University's board of trustees.

Survived by his wife Ann, two daughters (including U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos), seven grandchildren, and one sister.

Illinois Senate expresses condolences to Callahan's family and directs presentation of a suitable copy of this resolution to the family.