HR0258 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0258 LRB101 11822 ALS 58722 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Homer Gardner, who passed away on March 23, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Homer Gardner was born in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi to the Reverend Daniel J. and Ollie Gardner on July 29, 1937; he committed to his faith at an early age; during his teen years, he joined the United States Army and completed his high school education in the Army Academy; in 1957, he moved to Chicago and joined Sun Rise Missionary Baptist Church; In June of 1965, he met Ida, and they married that December; his quest for knowledge led him to the Cosmopolitan School of Business, Illinois Institute of Technology, where he studied Metallurgy, and the LaSalle Extension University, where he studied law; he earned his master's degree in theology from the Carolina University of Theology; and

WHEREAS, Homer Gardner built a career in the forging industry as a metallurgist; he held management roles at several companies, including Kropp Forge, Rockwell International, and Modern Steel; he retired in 2000; and

WHEREAS, Homer Gardner actively served in the church; he held many roles, including Sunday school teacher, choir member and director, secretary, treasurer, and deacon; he was called to the ministry in 1977 and was elected as Pastor of Sunrise in August of 1978; he served until his retirement in 2016; and

WHEREAS, Homer Gardner's greatest pride was his family; he enjoyed traveling with his wife and doting on his children and grandchildren; he walked his grandchildren to school, attended school programs and sporting events, and fully enjoyed life; he will be remembered for his laugh, humor, and love for his faith, family, friends, and church; and

WHEREAS, Homer Gardner was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings and siblings-in-law, Lewis (Fannie), Judge (Annie), Danny Lewis (Amos), Edith Thomas, Odie Dawson, Odis C. (Lessie), Rochella Griffin Slaughter, Genterry, Shiloh (Eartha), and Eddie (Nanette); and

WHEREAS, Homer Gardner is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ida; his daughters, Olivia (Pastor Anthony) Jones and Arrie Gardner; his grandchildren, Brandon Jones, Walter Williams, Quentin (Ke'Asia) Jones, Olivia Williams, Iyla Williams, Samantha Jones, and Anthony Jones Jr.; his great-grandson, Ayden Jones; his siblings, Charles (Gloria), Geraldean (Eugene) Peavy, Lenon (Elsie), Vera (Charlie) Chapman, Annice Young, Juanice Kanakaredes, and Dorothy Faye; his four brothers-in-law; his nine sisters-in-law; his loving, kind, thoughtful godchildren; his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and his Sun Rise family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Homer Gardner 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 Homer Gardner as an expression of our deepest sympathy.