SR1431 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1431 LRB100 20924 MST 36473 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Edward Leroy "Hambone" Emerick of Wood River, who passed away on February 7, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Emerick was born in Wood River to Edward C. and Evelyn M. Emerick in 1925; he graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School in 1944; he was a World War II Navy veteran and served on the USS Orca; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Emerick lived a life full of service and was dedicated to the City of Wood River; he served as Recreation Director for 37 years, was elected to the city council, and served a term as mayor; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Emerick's contributions to the City of Wood River include planning and developing the Wood River Aquatic Center, running the "Jiveland" teen center, and organizing the first Oiler Booster Club; he also implemented the Wood River Khoury League baseball program; he cared deeply about the Parks and Recreation Department and its mission; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Emerick served as President of the Wood River American Legion Post, President of the Wood River Jaycees, a member of the East Alton-Wood River Hall of Fame, and a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Wood River; he was an inaugural inductee into the Oiler Alumni Hall of Fame in 2009; he was also a member of the Illinois Amateur Softball Association for 65 years and is enshrined in their Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Emerick was more than just a public figure; he was a fun-loving person who, as the city's Parks and Recreation Director, took his responsibility to keep children entertained seriously; if there is a prevailing memory of him, though, it is his rendition of "Hambone", which he would perform on a moment's notice; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Emerick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen; his brother, Leon "Tootie"; his sister-in-law, Dorothy; and his nephew, Scot; and

WHEREAS, Leroy Emerick is survived by his children, Donna (Dan) Smith, Dale (Joy), Dana (Micki), and Dean (Sheila) Emerick; his nephews, Stan (Jo) and Sean (Tish) Emerick; his grandchildren, Danelle and Drew Emerick, Ryan (Elizabeth) Emerick, Leah (Keith) Butler, Daniel Emerick, and Nicole (Will) Balcom; and his three great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Edward Leroy "Hambone" Emerick 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 Leroy Emerick as an expression of our deepest sympathy.