SR0661 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0661 LRB101 13881 ALS 62744 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Merton D. Messmore of Rock Island, who passed away on July 31, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Merton Messmore was born in Geneseo to Ella and Dr. Harry L. Messmore Sr. on July 29, 1926; he attended high school in Altona and graduated in 1944; he immediately enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a radioman on LST 672 in the Pacific Theatre during World War II; he was discharged in 1946; he married Mary Ruth Speer in 1950; he graduated from Monmouth College in 1951; and

WHEREAS, Merton Messmore began his career as a high school teacher and coach in Farmington; he continued his career at ROWVA High School in Oneida; in 1964, he changed careers and worked as an insurance agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company; in 1968, he accepted a position at Auburn High School and returned to his love of coaching and teaching; he later earned his master's degree from Sangamon State University; he was then appointed principal at Auburn High School, from which he retired in 1988; and

WHEREAS, Upon retirement, Merton Messmore and his wife moved to Altona, Rock Island, and then Destin, Florida, where they lived for nine years; they then returned to the Quad Cities; he was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and University of Illinois athletics; he enjoyed fishing, reading, particularly history, and, most of all, spending time with family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Merton Messmore was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ruth; his mother; his father; his stepmother; his infant son, Mick; four brothers; three sisters; three step-siblings; a great-granddaughter; and a great-grandson; and

WHEREAS, Merton Messmore is survived by his children, Stanlee (Char) Messmore, Jack (Marsha) Messmore, Joel (Diane), Messmore, Lisa (Dan) Wood, and Alyson Messmore; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; 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 Merton D. Messmore 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 Merton Messmore as an expression of our deepest sympathy.