SR0703 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0703 LRB102 23556 LAW 32738 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of George A. "Deke" Fernandez, who passed away on December 24, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez was born in Springfield to Ansell "Andy" Fernandez and Loreta (Awbrey) Fernandez on June 27, 1955; he was raised in Loami; he graduated from New Berlin High School in 1973; he also graduated from Lincoln Land Community College; he married Catherine "Cathy" Talkington at St. Mary's Church in Farmersville on August 21, 1999; and

WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez served as a sergeant for the Illinois Department of Corrections, where he retired after 21 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez loved bowling and riding Harleys; he was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan; he was a drummer in central Illinois for many years, and he loved playing in the City Limits band most of all; alongside his wife, he enjoyed traveling and attended many Cardinals baseball games; and

WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ansell Wayne "Bud" Fernandez; and

WHEREAS, Deke Fernandez is survived by his wife; his daughter, Elizabeth Fernandez; his sons, Travis (fiancé, Mariah Gatherall) Fernandez and Damion (Renee) Fernandez; his stepson, Josh (companion, Julie Rowden) Witkowski; his grandchildren, Paige, Izzy, Leo, and Killian; his great-grandchild, J.J.; his sister, Lela Mae (Mike) Haesaert; his special niece, Deborah Warden; his miniature Dachshund, Bitzy; and his several nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of George A. "Deke" Fernandez 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 Deke Fernandez as an expression of our deepest sympathy.