Friend of the Archives Steve Burgess passed away suddenly on Friday, November 22, 2013. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Steve was on a journey to honor his father, James R. Burgess, Jr., who was the first Champaign County African American State's Attorney and also a lieutenant in the 761st Tank Batallion under George Patton in WW II. Steve's mission was to have a federal building named for his father.

May his mission be accomplished.

Watch his interview on WILL here.