SR1023 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1023 LRB099 14476 MST 38589 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John W. Buckner, who passed away on September 16, 2015; and

WHEREAS, John Buckner was born on October 7, 1955 to Elijah L. and Essie Mae Buckner; he attended Simeon and Parker High Schools in Chicago; he served in the United States Navy and mastered the art of painting, dry-walling, and plastering at trade school; he married Louise on March 14, 1981 at Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, John Buckner co-founded Buck & The Deacon, an interior decorating service; he spent many hours volunteering with the local aldermans in the 21st Ward office in the early 90s, promoting voter registration and get-out-the-vote campaigns; he joined the Chicago Police Department as a civilian employee in May of 1990 and held various positions within the department; his most recent role was supervisor for the Equipment and Supply Department; and

WHEREAS, John Buckner enjoyed cooking, gardening, music, and playing and teaching guitar; he also found time to coach his son's little league baseball team in his younger years; he and his wife were members of Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, John Buckner was preceded in death by his 3 siblings, Elijah Buckner, Joann Buckner-Jiles, and Clarence Buckner; and

WHEREAS, John Buckner is survived by his wife of 34 years, Louise; his daughter, LaKeshia Buckner-Smith (Dennis); his son, Darnell Buckner (Thaneshia); his 3 brothers, Robert J. Buckner (Shirley), Raymond L. Buckner (Yvonne), and Charles B. Buckner; his sister, Beverly A. Smith; his dear friend and music brother, Charles Taylor; 5 grandchildren, Jalen, Jamil, Elijah, Chole, and Camron; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, and colleagues; therefore, be it

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