Rep. Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) | Photo Courtesy of Amy Elik
Rep. Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) | Photo Courtesy of Amy Elik
Eldon "Twirp" Williams, a Godfrey area real estate agent for over 50 years, was 87 when he was shot and killed while preparing a house for sale in 2018. Now state Rep. Amy Elik (R-Pawnee) asked the House to consider memorializing him by naming a portion of a highway after him.
House Joint Resolution 26 was proposed on the House Floor last week, and would designate a portion of Illinois Route 111 along Godfrey Road from Stamper Lane to Crestwood Drive as the memorial highway. The stretch is approximately one mile long.
"Twirp Williams was a beloved and respected member of the Village of Godfrey," Elik said. "He started his public service in Godfrey in 1957 as the justice of the peace and a township trustee."
Williams then served as the Godfrey tax assessor for 40 years before running for the Godfrey Village Board in 1999. He served on the board until his death. Williams was also a real estate agent for the community for over 50 years and was an Air Force veteran.
The representative said that the legislation was an initiative from the Godfrey mayor, who was close to Williams, and the wife, daughters and grandchildren that he left behind.
"[I] feel that this memorial highway is a fitting tribute to him," Elik said, "and pays respect to him permanently in the Village of Godfrey."
HJR 26 is now in Senate Assignments after being adopted in the House last week. Its chief Senate sponsor is Sen. Rachelle Crowe.
Donald Nelson was convicted in the killing of Williams and will serve a life sentence, according to Fox2Now.
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