SR0703LRB102 23556 LAW 32738 r


  
1
SENATE RESOLUTION

  
 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened 
3to learn of the death of George A. "Deke" Fernandez, who passed 
4away on December 24, 2021; and
  
 
5    WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez was born in Springfield to Ansell 
6"Andy" Fernandez and Loreta (Awbrey) Fernandez on June 27, 
71955; he was raised in Loami; he graduated from New Berlin High 
8School in 1973; he also graduated from Lincoln Land Community 
9College; he married Catherine "Cathy" Talkington at St. Mary's 
10Church in Farmersville on August 21, 1999; and
  
 
11    WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez served as a sergeant for the 
12Illinois Department of Corrections, where he retired after 21 
13years of service; and
  
 
14    WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez loved bowling and riding Harleys; 
15he was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan; he was a drummer in 
16central Illinois for many years, and he loved playing in the 
17City Limits band most of all; alongside his wife, he enjoyed 
18traveling and attended many Cardinals baseball games; and
  
 
19    WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez was preceded in death by his 
20parents and his brother, Ansell Wayne "Bud" Fernandez; and
  
 
 
 
SR0703- 2 -LRB102 23556 LAW 32738 r

1    WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez is survived by his wife; his 
2daughter, Elizabeth Fernandez; his sons, Travis (fiancé, 
3Mariah Gatherall) Fernandez and Damion (Renee) Fernandez; his 
4stepson, Josh (companion, Julie Rowden) Witkowski; his 
5grandchildren, Paige, Izzy, Leo, and Killian; his 
6great-grandchild, J.J.; his sister, Lela Mae (Mike) Haesaert; 
7his special niece, Deborah Warden; his miniature Dachshund, 
8Bitzy; and his several nieces, nephews, and cousins; 
9therefore, be it
  
 
10    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL 
11ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
12George A. "Deke" Fernandez and extend our sincere condolences 
13to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be 
14it further
  
 
15    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
16presented to the family of Deke Fernandez as an expression of 
17our deepest sympathy.