SR2401 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Wayne L. Meece of Normal, who passed away on October 16, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Meece was born in Monticello to James Elmer and Anna Willis Meece on September 23, 1934; he served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1957 in the 82nd Airborne; he attended Illinois State Normal University, where he was an All American quarterback; he graduated from Illinois State University (ISU) in 1960 and married Loretta J. Powell in Bloomington on October 23, 1964; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Meece was a general manager in the moving industry for many years; he was a head linesman for 20 years in the Big Ten; he officiated five bowl games - two Rose Bowls in 1986 and 1990, the Tangerine Bowl in 1978, the Liberty Bowl in 1983, and the Peach Bowl in 1991; he also officiated high school basketball, where he worked in the State Tournament Series on three different occasions; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Meece had a strong desire to mentor young officials in the profession; he was a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and was elected to the Illinois State University Hall of Fame in 1974; he was an observer for ISU for 25 years for basketball and football; he received the Stretch Miller Award from ISU in October 2010; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Meece was a member of Eastview Christian Church, where he sang in the choir and was the lead usher for over 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Meece was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Robert Meece, James Meece, George Meece, Lynn Meece, Raymond Meece, and Ralph Meece; and his sister, Mary Stone; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Meece is survived by his wife, Loretta; his children, Randy Clarke, Scot (Shannon) Meece, and Beth (Michael) Beauford; his grandchildren, Reed (Chanell) Clarke, Jordan Clarke, Lindsay (Paul) Craddock, Brock Meece, Blaise Beauford, and Lacey Beauford; his great-grandchildren, Ella and Beckett Craddock, and Story and Rush Clarke; and his sisters, Shirley (Dale) Turner, and Sandra Harris; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Wayne L. Meece, 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 Wayne Meece as an expression of our deepest sympathy.