HR0812 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0812 LRB097 20608 KXB 66346 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of John Henry McGowan Sr. of Chicago, who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, He was born on April 26, 1942 in Hughes, Arkansas, to Jody and Ora McGowan; he accepted Christ at an early age; he attended Cregier High School in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, John met his beloved wife Barbara in 1963; they were married on August 14, 1965; John and Barbara were members of the Thompson Community Singers; and

WHEREAS, He was employed with Oscar Meyer and retired when the Chicago plant closed; he dedicated himself to being his wife Barbara's official driver to various Cook County events; he was President of the Gladys/Van Buren Townhouse Organization, where he lived; he coached a little league baseball team named the Texas Rangers and was involved in politics, working in the Harold Washington campaign and playing a strategic role in the Byrne Burners and Boss Buster operations; he was also involved in other political activities across the City of Chicago and Cook County; and

WHEREAS, He was known for his BBQ and fried chicken, his art of washing a car, and his sweet, sweet peas; some highlights of his life were to give his daughter, Donna to Wesley (who was like a son to him) and when he participated in the 1st Million Man March; he enjoyed an athletic life; he would often lift weights with his son, John, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, He would travel great distances to support his son, John, Jr. and grandson, Tony, at their football games; in addition, he would be present at his granddaughter Kelsee's games of volleyball, basketball, and track; a proud moment was when his youngest granddaughter, Ta'Sandra, was called to read a book at one of her daycare graduations; he was his grandchildren's #1 fan; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Joan; and his sister, Thormaine; and

WHEREAS, John McGowan Sr. is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean; his children, Donna (Wesley) and John, Jr; his 3 loving grandchildren, Tony Donte, Kelsee' Simone, and Ta'Sandra Marie Jeanette; his sisters, Dorothy and Eddie; his special brother "in crime", Frank "Gene" Stanton (Addie); his God Daughter, LaShawn; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of John McGowan Sr.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John McGowan Sr. as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.