SR1446 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1446 LRB101 22391 MST 73456 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Gene M. Key of Hampton, who passed away on September 25, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Gene Key was born in rural Trenton, Missouri to Fred and Deloris (Metsker) Key on October 31, 1940; he graduated from high school in Trenton and married Carlotta McClullen; he married Donna Wilde Willeford in Hampton on November 13, 1971; and

WHEREAS, Gene Key and his family moved to the Quad Cities, and he started work at John Deere Harvester before being drafted into the U.S. Navy; he later went to work at International Harvester; he retired from Case Tenneco in 1992, where he spent all 33 years in the steel receiving department; and

WHEREAS, Gene Key and his family liked to travel; their first trip was to Disneyland, and they visited numerous state capitals; he enjoyed mowing the grass, sitting in his rocking chair on the front porch, hanging out with his friends at the Keg, visiting the gun club, and attending fish fries; he especially enjoyed bowling and joined three different leagues; his favorite job was being first mate on Skip's pontoon boat; he liked everybody, and everyone liked him; and

WHEREAS, Gene Key was preceded in death by his son, William Michael; his parents; his brother, Ronaldeen Key; and his sister, Annielea Blattnar; and

WHEREAS, Gene Key is survived by his sons, Joseph (Angie) and Daniel (Vicki) Key; his bonus daughter, Diana (Chris) Erling; his grandsons, Dustin (Tosha) Key and Ryan and Shane Jochim; his granddaughter, Bailey Erling; his great-grandchildren, Arista and Aiden Key; and his brothers, Freddie (Carrol) and Buddie Key; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Gene M. Key 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 Gene Key as an expression of our deepest sympathy.