HR0714 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0714 LRB101 20393 ECR 69941 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Carl Edward Mescher of Massac County, who passed away on January 15, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Carl Edward Mescher was born to Herman and Clara (Moller) Mescher in Metropolis on August 12, 1920; he dedicated his life to the service of Illinoisans within Massac County; and

WHEREAS, Carl Edward Mescher was a Navy veteran of World War II; he served on the USS Pennsylvania during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; he heroically contained dangerous and destructive fires throughout the bombing raids that day; and

WHEREAS, Carl Edward Mescher was a radioman in the OS2U3 Kingfisher seaplane and was awarded the Air Medal for courageous action in the Pacific theater at Makin, Kwajalein, and Eniwetok Atolla; the commendation recognized his skillful performance of duty in establishing and maintaining excellent communications between his plane and parent ship while braving heavy antiaircraft fire and extremely hazardous flying conditions; and

WHEREAS, Carl Edward Mescher finished his military service testing radio navigation equipment in PBY Catalina seaplanes at Banana River Naval Station where he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer; and

WHEREAS, Following his illustrious military career from 1940 to 1946, Carl Edward Mescher operated Soil Services, a local fertilizer store, until his retirement in 1982; and

WHEREAS, Carl Edward Mescher continued to farm and raise cattle until his health no longer allowed it; he was a member of St. John's Church and the American Legion Post 306; and

WHEREAS, Carl Edward Mescher was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Clara (Moller) Mescher; and his five brothers, Omer, Amos, Loyd, Troy, and Otis Mescher; and

WHEREAS, Carl Edward Mescher is survived by his nieces, his nephews, his extended relatives, and his friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Carl Edward Mescher 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 Carl Edward Mescher as an expression of our deepest sympathy.