SR1511 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1511 LRB100 21182 ALS 37253 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Tom Z. Dickerson of Rockford, who passed away on March 2, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Tom Dickerson was born in Cherokee, Oklahoma to Zearl and Retta (Wilson) Dickerson on August 22, 1934; he graduated from high school in Byron, Oklahoma; he served in the Army National Guard and was called into active duty during the Bay of Pigs incident with Cuba; he also served as a Sergeant with the United States Army Reserves Quartermasters Unit during the Korean War; in 1973, he married Earline; and

WHEREAS, Tom Dickerson started his career at Woodward Governor; during his early years, he was involved with the Rockford Rams football program; against advice from friends, he decided to pursue a career in real estate; his first venture was with Bridge & Dickerson Realtors; a few years later, he started Dickerson Realtors, where he began as a Real Estate Broker and them moved into investment property and home building with Ambassador Homes; he also worked in land development and was responsible for developing several subdivisions, including Olde Farm, Stonehedge, Mulford Hills, and Mulford Hills West; through acquisitions including Nieman Realtors, the company became Dickerson & Nieman Realtors in 1998; with five offices in three counties, it is still the largest real estate firm in the area today; and

WHEREAS, Tom Dickerson received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named Illinois Realtor of the Year and serving as President of the Board of Realtors; and

WHEREAS, Tom Dickerson was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and a supporter of the United Way; he was an avid golfer; he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and always made them laugh with his sense of humor and wit; he was always there to help others, as a father, father figure, grandfather, and mentor; and

WHEREAS, Tom Dickerson was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Bill Dickerson and Betty Sumner; and

WHEREAS, Tom Dickerson is survived by his wife, Earline; his children, Karen (Doug Page) Dickerson, Tom Keith Dickerson, Cindy (Keith) Kelly, Andrew (Sean), Wehrstein, Candace Ross, and Frank (Jennifer) Wehrstein; his grandchildren, Adam J. (Daniela) Dyer, Kristina Kelly, Shannon Kelly, Stephanie Ross, Erica Ross, Reilley Wehrstein, Ashley Wehrstein, Frank Wehrstein Jr., and Ashley Dickerson; and his many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that mourn the passing of Tom Z. Dickerson and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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