SR1188 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1188 LRB098 21120 MST 58945 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Tema Cruz of Decatur, who passed away on March 13, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Tema Cruz was born in Danville on September 23, 1924 to Daniel de La and Stella Perchman-Cruz; he served, with honors, in the United States Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946 in the Eastern Theater; he married Betty Jean Hood on March 2, 1954; and

WHEREAS, Tema Cruz retired as a molder from Wagner's Castings Foundry after over 45 years; and

WHEREAS, Tema Cruz was a Democratic precinct committeeman for many years; he enjoyed spending summers coaching Bronco and Pony League baseball in the 1970s; he helped develop the Junior Football League in its early years and coached middle school basketball; he could be found at all of his children's and grandchildren's sporting events; and

WHEREAS, Tema Cruz was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Theodore; and sister, Freda; and

WHEREAS, Tema Cruz is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty; sisters, Lena Brown and Victoria Simpson; children, Cynthia (Richard) Phillips, Tim (Wanda) Cruz, Tisa (Blenn) Springfield, Daniel (Gina) Cruz, Tina (Eddie) Taylor, Nicholas (Felice) Cruz, and Antonio (Frances) Cruz; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Tema Cruz, 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 Tema Cruz as an expression of our deepest sympathy.