SR0550 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0550 LRB099 12317 GRL 35407 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John Thomas "Tom" Meachum, who passed away on April 25, 2015; and

WHEREAS, John Meachum was born on July 9, 1946 in Taylorville; his parents were Russell Dole and Julia Hayden Meachum; he married his loving wife, Linda, on June 30, 1973; and

WHEREAS, John Meachum served his country with pride as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1968, attaining the rank of corporal; and

WHEREAS, John Meachum served as a copy equipment salesman 30 years; he later became the registrar for the Museum of the Grand Prairie, where he retired in October of 2014; he also spent many years as a videographer for family and school events and became an honorary thespian; and

WHEREAS, John Meachum enjoyed model trains and ran a model train business, where he spent countless hours "playing trains" with his grandsons; he was an avid reader and could be found sitting on his swing in the front yard; he enjoyed traveling and attending theater events with his wife and friends; he was also active in prison ministry, Walk to Emmaus, and mentoring youth, and had a passion for archaeology and history; and

WHEREAS, John Meachum actively served and led as a faithful member of the Mahomet United Methodist Church; he had a passion for serving the Lord and others, expressed in his many mission trips and willingness to help those in need; he served his community by being a member of the Mahomet Lions Club, where he could be found each year greeting people at the annual music festival in the beer tent; he was also a member of the Upper Sangamon River Conservatory, the American Business Club, and the Champaign County Democratic Committee; and

WHEREAS, John Meachum was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jeannie; his brother, Billie; his grandson, Joseph Patrick McPherson; and his beloved dog, Roscoe; and

WHEREAS, John Meachum is survived by his wife, Linda; 2 beloved children, Kelly (John) McPherson and William (Joy) Meachum; 5 grandchildren, John Thomas "Jack," Julia, Benjamin, Jason, and Hayden; and 2 sisters, Ellen Indermark and Mary Margaret "Bucket" Rora; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of John Thomas "Tom" Meachum; and be it further

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