IL SR2211

William Dean "Bill" "Kirbo" Kirby of Tolono passed away on November 23, 2018, prompting this memorial resolution from the Illinois Senate.

Born July 18, 1920, to Agnes Opal (Duncan) and Arthur Taylor Kirby in Buffalo Hart; graduated from University of Illinois in 1942 and enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as a medical administration officer.

Served as mayor of Tolono from 1961 to 1969 and as a trustee for eight additional years; was treasurer of Unit 7 School District for 20 years and established the sanitary sewer system for the village.

Worked as an agriculture and biology teacher at Georgetown schools where he helped organize the annual Georgetown Fair (officially recognized by Illinois Department of Agriculture in 1948); later worked as an insurance agent until retiring in 1985.

Active in community organizations including Tolono United Methodist Church, Lions Club, VFW, and American Legion; authored weekly newspaper column and compiled writings into book "Buffalo Chips and Tolono Clips" in 2000; served as president of Tolono Historical Society and Veterans Museum.