SR2167 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2167 LRB099 22737 GRL 50168 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Matthew F. Parker, Jr. of Rock Island, who passed away on August 4, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Parker, Jr. was born on December 21, 1925 in Chicago; his parents were Matthew F. Parker, Sr. and Louella Gordon Parker; he married Katherine Bowen on December 18, 1948 in Moline; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Parker, Jr. served in the United States Navy during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Parker, Jr. attended the University of Illinois; he worked at IH Farmall in Rock Island for 39 years and owned and operated Parker Janitorial Service with his wife for 33 years; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Parker, Jr. was a member of New Journey African Methodist Episcopal Church in Moline; he was active with the Democratic Party and served as a precinct committeeman for 23 years and as a trustee for Rock Island Township for more than 35 years; he was a member of the Martin Luther King Center Active Club; he was very active as a Freemason, having belonged to King Solomon Lodge No. 20 F & A.M. P.H.A., Tri-Cities Consistory No. 82, Masqat Temple No. 141 Imperial Council A.E.A.O.N.M.S., United Supreme Council of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry-33rd Degree, Commander of the Rite, Desert Rat Degree Team, Downstate Brotherhood Club of Illinois, Past Master Council No. 10 of Second District, president of Past Master Council, Past Patron of Adah Chapter No. 10 Order of the Eastern Star, Starlight Club, and District Deputy Grand Patron O.E.S.; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Parker, Jr. was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Parker, Jr. is survived by his children, Cynthia (Craig) Parker-McGee, Michael Parker, and Rosemary (Donnie) Childs; his grandchildren, Robert Parker, Brittany Parker, and Xavier Parker; his great-grandchildren, Julian and Jada Parker, Emmanuel Bomar, Cienna Pettit, X'zayviyanah Parker, and Jamaine Jones; his special friend, Thresa Johnson; his special niece, Allison Martin; and several nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Matthew F. Parker, Jr.; and be it further

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