HR0137 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0137 LRB103 31465 MST 59233 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Kenyetta Javon "Ken" Barlow Sr., who passed away on March 5, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Ken Barlow was born in Melrose Park to Richard and Patricia Barlow on August 31, 1977; he grew up in Bellwood and attended St. Domitilla Grammar School; he had a special love for football that began at the age of two, and he started playing for the Memorial Park Spartans at the age of seven; he received football scholarships to St. Joseph High School and Southern Illinois University Carbondale; and

WHEREAS, Ken Barlow had a passion for motorcycles, old school cars, and trucks; he decided to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a truck driver; he received his CDL from the JB Hunt Truck Driving School and opened KB Trucking and K3R Trucking; he also partnered in several businesses, including Big Shot Vape and Tobacco in Hillside; and

WHEREAS, Ken Barlow's love for football continued throughout his life; he served as a coach for the Memorial Park Spartans and the Hillside Hurricanes and was most proud of being able to coach all three of his sons; and

WHEREAS, Ken Barlow lived his life unapologetically and never met a stranger; he had a smile that would light up a room and was generally the life of the party; he was loving, devoted, and strong, and he was a traveler and a protector; he was very intelligent and was affectionately know as "The Great Debater"; and

WHEREAS, Ken Barlow had a genuine love for his family and friends; he had an unwavering connection with his parents and was a wonderful father; and

WHEREAS, Ken Barlow was baptized at St. Simeon Catholic Church and later became a member of Monroe Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Ken Barlow was preceded in death by his father, Richard Barlow; his grandmothers, Carlee Jones and Margaret Barlow; his grandfathers, Roosevelt Jones and Cologne Barlow; his aunt and godmother, Cercelia Jones; his aunt, Delores Liggins; his uncles, Larry Barlow, Larry Jones, Lionel Jones, Larry Pennington, LC Barlow, and CL Barlow; his great-aunts, Nancy Payne and Eliza Strickland; his great-uncle, William "Bill" Payne; his cousins, Rashawn Jones, Michael Moore, and Quinton Moore; his godfather, William Davis; and his godbrother, John Belcher; and

WHEREAS, Ken Barlow is survived by his mother, Patricia Barlow; his sister, LaVenta Barlow; his sons, Gabriel, Kenyetta Jr., and Kenyetta III "Tre"; his bonus children, Aagiyah, Bernard "BJ", Malik, Alarie, Amiya, and Kai; his special nephew, Johntrell Jones; his uncle, Roosevelt (Felita) Jones; his aunts, Mary Barlow, Cherie Pennington, Debra Jones, and Joyce Moore; his great-aunt, Spicie Belk; his cousin/sister, Rhonda Horton; his special cousins, Sabrian "Boo" Sledge, Tilisha "TeTe" Harrison, and Essie Searcy; his lifelong friends, Donald Davis, George Williams, Eric Reeves, and Jesse Spears; and numerous cousins, other relatives, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Kenyetta Javon "Ken" Barlow Sr. 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 Ken Barlow as an expression of our deepest sympathy.