SR1346 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1346 LRB101 21969 LAW 72979 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Henry D. "Hank" Thomas of Rock Island, who passed away on July 28, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Henry Thomas was born in Mason City, Iowa to Henry H. and Clara (Hancq) Thomas on January 19, 1941; he graduated from Rock Island High School in 1959; he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany; he married Roberta Belton in Geneseo on June 12, 1965, and she preceded him in death on March 8, 2002; and

WHEREAS, Henry Thomas worked for Ralston Purina for more than 38 years; he retired as a forklift operator in 2006; and

WHEREAS, As a young man, Henry Thomas participated in many high school sports, including track and field, basketball, football, and wrestling; he was involved in the Letterman's Club, intramurals, and the Junior Optimist Club; he enjoyed attending high school and college sporting events with friends, watching all sports and game shows on television, participating in bowling, and playing softball; he loved Rock Island High School, and as an avid fan, he donated much of his time to Rock Island sports programs, particularly track and field; he was a proud member of the Berean Baptist Church and was baptized there in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Henry Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta; his parents; and his brother, N. Charles Thomas; and

WHEREAS, Henry Thomas is survived by his children, Steven R. Thomas, Amanda N. Thomas, and Lisa Decker; his grandchildren, Jenelle L. Thomas, Steven R. Thomas II, Sarah Decker, Isabella Decker, and Matthew Decker; his four great-grandchildren; his siblings, Richard Thomas, Marilyn DeKoster, Jerry (Nancy) Thomas, Clare (Jim) Taylor, Thomas (Lisa) Thomas, Margaret-Ann (George) Niquette, Elizabeth (John) McGonigle, and Kent (Nancy) Thomas; and his special friend and companion, Sue Morris; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Henry D. "Hank" 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 Henry Thomas as an expression of our deepest sympathy.