HR1162 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1162 LRB093 23199 HSS 53172 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of Elbert "Al" Coleman on Saturday, July 24, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Coleman was born on February 15, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Susie and Nathaniel Coleman; he completed his formal education in Memphis, Tennessee, and went on to valiantly serve his country as a member of the U.S. Navy, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic and was honorably discharged; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Coleman moved to Chicago and started his career with the railroad; he held the position of switchman with the Old Milwaukee Line and later served as Yardmaster with the Metra Line; until his death, he maintained his title as Yardmaster and took great pride in those duties; he is remembered as "The General"; and

WHEREAS, He met and married Ozella Jones in 1971; he was very family-oriented and gave all of himself to his family; he was an avid reader and knowledgeable on many issues; with his many cameras, he enjoyed capturing memories of the good times he shared and treasured with his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, The General was a man of political views which he would willingly share with anyone at any time; he stood up for the "little guy" and fought against injustice; he is remembered as one-of-a-kind, with no equal; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Elbert "Al" Coleman has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Ozella; his sons, Maurice, Kenneth, Konota, and Jabari; his daughters, Keisha, Ashika, and Kanika; his grandchildren, Shonari, Chloe, Brandon, Ayanna, Alayah, and Germon; his brother, Lamon; his aunt, Ruby; and his many other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Elbert "Al" Coleman, and we extend our deepest sympathy 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 Mr. Coleman as an expression of our sincere condolences and respect for the great life that "The General" lived.