SR0258 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Elmer Lynn Hauldren; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Hauldren was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 1, 1922; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Hauldren served in the United States Army during World War II; during that time, he served in Calcutta, India for four years and once drove supplies to a blockaded China; he met his future wife, Helen Helmke, in Des Moines, Iowa, while stationed there; the couple was married in Sacramento, California in 1943; and

WHEREAS, After his stint in the military, Lynn Hauldren studied journalism at Northwestern University; he then went to work as an advertising copywriter in Chicago, New Orleans, and Los Angeles before settling in the Chicago area; during his career, he became a creative director at three top agencies and earned two Clio Awards; he eventually started his own advertising firm, where he made advertisements for Matt's Cookies, Homemakers, and Empire Carpet; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Hauldren was best known for appearing in numerous commercials as his on-screen alter ego, the Empire Carpet Man; in addition to appearing as the Empire Carpet Man, he also recorded the Empire jingle with his then-group, The Fabulous 40s, and sang multiple parts of the harmonized phone number; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Hauldren sang baritone in numerous barbershop quartets; he was also an accomplished singer who recorded two albums and performed in 49 of 50 states and in Europe with his barbershop quartet, Chordiac Arrest; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Hauldren was an avid White Sox and Bears fan who once threw out the first pitch at a Cubs game; he was a boating fanatic who had a powerboat at Burnham Harbor; every boat he owned had clever musical-themed names, including his favorite, "Sea Sharp"; he also took up skiing at the age of 60; and

WHEREAS, Lynn Hauldren is survived by his six children; his 15 grandchildren; and his 10 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Elmer Lynn Hauldren; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Lynn Hauldren as an expression of our sympathy.