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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3to learn of the death of George A. "Deke" Fernandez, who passed
4away on December 24, 2021; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez was born in Springfield to Ansell
6"Andy" Fernandez and Loreta (Awbrey) Fernandez on June 27,
71955; he was raised in Loami; he graduated from New Berlin High
8School in 1973; he also graduated from Lincoln Land Community
9College; he married Catherine "Cathy" Talkington at St. Mary's
10Church in Farmersville on August 21, 1999; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez served as a sergeant for the
12Illinois Department of Corrections, where he retired after 21
13years of service; and
 
14    WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez loved bowling and riding Harleys;
15he was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan; he was a drummer in
16central Illinois for many years, and he loved playing in the
17City Limits band most of all; alongside his wife, he enjoyed
18traveling and attended many Cardinals baseball games; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez was preceded in death by his
20parents and his brother, Ansell Wayne "Bud" Fernandez; and
 

 

 

SR0703- 2 -LRB102 23556 LAW 32738 r

1    WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez is survived by his wife; his
2daughter, Elizabeth Fernandez; his sons, Travis (fiancé,
3Mariah Gatherall) Fernandez and Damion (Renee) Fernandez; his
4stepson, Josh (companion, Julie Rowden) Witkowski; his
5grandchildren, Paige, Izzy, Leo, and Killian; his
6great-grandchild, J.J.; his sister, Lela Mae (Mike) Haesaert;
7his special niece, Deborah Warden; his miniature Dachshund,
8Bitzy; and his several nieces, nephews, and cousins;
9therefore, be it
 
10    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
11ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
12George A. "Deke" Fernandez and extend our sincere condolences
13to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be
14it further
 
15    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
16presented to the family of Deke Fernandez as an expression of
17our deepest sympathy.