SR1162 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1162 LRB098 21053 GRL 58790 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Thomas J. Merlock of Waukegan, who passed away on January 27, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Merlock was born on August 11, 1942 in Waukegan; his parents were John and Victoria (nee Jappel) Merlock; he grew up in North Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Merlock graduated from North Chicago Community High School and attended Marquette University; and

WHEREAS, After having served in the United States Marine Corps, Thomas Merlock joined the family-owned service station business, Merlock's Amoco, in Waukegan; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Merlock was a past Grand Knight and a lifetime member in the Knights of Columbus; he enjoyed fishing and was a die-hard Cubs fan; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Merlock was preceded in death by his parents, John and Victoria Merlock; brother, John Merlock; and sister, Lauretta Opeka; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Merlock is survived by his best friend and wife, Candace (nee Finn); 4 children, Thomas L. (Lily) Merlock, Kristen (Christopher) Weihs, Denise (Randy) Kleiboer, and Kathryn (Juan) Cervantes; 2 step-daughters, Lisa Strang and Lori Strang; 13 grandchildren, Evan, Trevor, and Jake Merlock, Ally, Ashley, Adam, and Anderson Weihs, Hunter, Madelyn, and Kylie Kleiboer, and Holly, Antti, and Noah Cervantes; and 3 step-grandchildren, Jaxson Strang, Dylan Kleiboer, and David Cervantes; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Thomas J. Merlock; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Thomas Merlock as an expression of our sympathy.