HR0154 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0154 LRB099 09180 MST 30896 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of former Kendall County Sheriff Thomas Usry, who passed away on January 22, 2015 at the age of 78; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Usry was born on July 24, 1936 in Washington, D.C. to Delmar Howard and Cleo Beth (nee Early) Usry; he was raised in Yorkville and later lived in Aurora; he graduated from West Aurora High School in 1954; upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he was stationed at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina and proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, 187th Regiment; he married Pauline Alyce Keierleber on May 5, 1956 at Claim Street Baptist Church in Aurora; and

WHEREAS, After receiving his discharge from active duty, Thomas Usry served as a Sergeant with the 129th Infantry of the Illinois Army National Guard and began his noteworthy career in law enforcement; he served as Deputy and Chief Deputy of Kendall County and was later elected Sheriff in 1970; he served 2 4-year terms, being re-elected in 1974; he continued down the path of law enforcement after leaving the Sheriff's Office, joining the College of DuPage as Chief of Police in 1978 and serving in that capacity for over 2 decades, until his retirement in 2000; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Usry graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1973; in 1982, he became the Secretary and Treasurer of the FBI National Academy Illinois Chapter, a position he held until his retirement in 2000; in 1989, he graduated from the Secret Service Dignitary Protection Training Program; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Usry was involved in various local and national organizations, including the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, the Illinois Police Association, the DuPage County Chiefs of Police Association, the American Society of Industrial Security, and the FBI National Academy Associates of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Usry was also a prominent member in various civic organizations, including the John Steele Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, where he served as Chapter President in 1989, the Raven Lodge 303, and the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in Oswego; he was an active member of the Golden K Kiwanis in Aurora during his retirement, ultimately serving as President of the club; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Usry was known for the sincere devotion he reserved not only for his immediate family, but also for his friends; he was an avid aficionado of John Wayne films; he loved to play golf and bowl; he enjoyed rifle and handgun shooting, and was an excellent shot, receiving a perfect score at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Usry was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Phillip Howard Usry; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, R. William and Verlie Usry; and his brother-in-law, Robert Morehouse; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Usry is survived by his wife, Pauline; his son, Tom Usry; his 2 daughters, Paula (Dan) Christiansen and Lisa (Michael) Cope; and his sister-in-law, Ruth (the late Robert) Morehouse; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Usry led a life of great virtue, commendation, and esteem; he was beloved and respected by all who knew him and leaves a significant legacy behind for all to strive to emulate; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Thomas Usry, and we extend our sincere condolences to his many friends and loved ones; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Thomas Usry as a symbol of our deepest sympathies and sincere appreciation for his demonstrable service to the residents of Kendall County and the State of Illinois.