SR1010 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1010 LRB099 14357 MST 38447 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Francis Eugene "Gene" "Sarge" Cole of Silvis, who passed away on September 11, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Gene Cole was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on October 11, 1949 to Grover Paul and Sarah Leticia (nee Rhoades) Cole; he married Janet Caldwell in Agency, Iowa on October 19, 1967; he served in the United States Army for 20 years, retiring in 1989 as Sergeant First Class; and

WHEREAS, After retiring from the Army, Gene Cole worked as a welder and truck driver for National Railway; most recently, he was a truck driver for Murray's Transfer in Davenport, Iowa; and

WHEREAS, Gene Cole was a member of Word of Life in Rock Island, the United States Parachute Association, and the National Rifle Association; he enjoyed skydiving and was a talented tattoo artist, owning his own shop for many years; he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Gene Cole was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Brenna Geane Haggard; his 2 brothers, Ira and Ray Cole; his sister, Elizabeth Laumeyer; and several nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Gene Cole is survived by his wife, Janet; his 3 children, Ronald Cole, Carl Cole, and Theresa (Mike) Haggard; his grandchildren, Jessica, Alyssa, Justin, and Jonathan Cole and Kylee and Konner Haggard; his great-grandchildren, Tayvion Cagle and MaKenzie Poteat; his siblings, Myrtle Dell Hamre, Lucille (Dale) Miller, Arlene Palmer, Weltha (Frank) Rojas, Norma (Jerry) Smith, and Clarence Edward Cole; and many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Francis Eugene "Gene" "Sarge" Cole, 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 Cole as an expression of our deepest sympathy.