IL SR0628

Illinois Senate memorial resolution honoring Lee Arthur Coleman II of East St. Louis, who passed away on September 10, 2025 at age 73

Member of the "East St. Louis 12," the first students to integrate Lansdowne Junior High School by federal decree; graduated from University of Illinois with a degree in Education and Social Work

Founded Buster Drugless, Inc. to combat drug addiction and served 15 years as equal employment officer with the Illinois Department of Transportation until retiring in 2019, advancing legislation guaranteeing minority contractors access to IDOT road construction contracts

Held multiple civic positions including precinct committeeman, purchasing director, and city manager for East St. Louis; served as southern regional vice president of the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce; helped manage Barack Obama's 2003 U.S. Senate campaign

Survived by his wife of 52 years, Annette Fields Coleman, three children, three grandchildren, and eight siblings