SR0379 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0379 LRB104 14333 ECR 27466 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Gary Wayne Thomas of Bartonville, who passed away on June 17, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Gary Thomas was born to Peter and Berniece C. (Adams) Thomas in Peoria on June 27, 1946; he graduated from Limestone Community High School in 1964; he married Alberta Lynn "Mandy" Homan in Bartonville on March 30, 1968; and

WHEREAS, Gary Thomas worked as a power plant operator for CILCO, and he later served as a business agent for the International Brotherhood of Firemen and Oilers; he also ran a successful heating and air conditioning service for many years; and

WHEREAS, Gary Thomas served as supervisor of Hollis Township and as a member of the Tuscarora Volunteer Fire Department; later in life, he and his wife developed the Whitetail Ridge Estates subdivision in Bartonville; and

WHEREAS, Gary Thomas loved playing cards and listening to music; he was an avid outdoorsman who had a passion for hunting and fishing, including spending several years commercial fishing, running hoop nets, trotlines, and trammel nets, and enjoying many summer nights catfishing on the Illinois River with his family; and

WHEREAS, Gary Thomas will be remembered for living life on his own terms, making every minute count; and

WHEREAS, Gary Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and his hunting companions, Cinder and Lucy; and

WHEREAS, Gary Thomas is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alberta; his daughter, Teresa Lynn (Thomas) Donley; and his grandson, Patrick Ryan Donley; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Gary Wayne Thomas 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 Gary Thomas as an expression of our deepest sympathy.