SR0130 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0130 LRB101 11004 ALS 56197 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Rev. Dr. W. Gehl Devore of Zion, who passed away on February 5, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Devore was born in Altamont to William Durell and Pearl Devore on December 4, 1916; he graduated from high school at the age of 15; he then spent eight years as a linotype operator; after being called to the ministry, he enrolled in McKendree College, now McKendree University; while he was a student, he was appointed by the District Superintendent to serve a four-point circuit, preaching at Sunday morning and evening services at four different churches every other week; after graduating from McKendree with honors, he enrolled at Garrett Theological Seminary; when he was 23, he married Doris Mery; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Devore's first appointment was at a church in Westmont, where he served as pastor from 1944 until 1956; he then moved to Rockford and served as Senior Pastor of Grace Methodist Church from 1956 until 1961; from Rockford, he moved to Barrington and served the Barrington Methodist Church; in 1963, he moved to Waukegan and became the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church, where he remained until his retirement in 1980; after his retirement, he was honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus and also worked part-time for Otar Printers in Waukegan; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Devore was active in many community and philanthropic organizations; for over 20 years, he served as Chaplain for the Waukegan City Council; he also served as Dean of a Methodist high school youth camp at Conference Point Camp in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; known as a great storyteller, he spent much time, both as a pastor and in retirement, visiting local hospitals, nursing homes, and shut-ins; he was a lifetime and avid fan of the New York Yankees; he enjoyed playing golf, baking pies, playing softball in church leagues, and exercising and swimming at the YMCA in Waukegan; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Devore was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Raymond and Linder; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Devore is survived by his wife of 78 years, Doris; his children, Bill (Jan) and Jan; and his grandchildren, Christopher Devore and Angela Devore; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. W. Gehl Devore 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 Dr. Devore as an expression of our deepest sympathy.