SR0258 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0258 LRB103 31357 MST 58932 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Frank Bernardo Belergy Martin Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Frank Martin was born in Magnolia, Mississippi to Frank Sr. and Lillian Varnado Martin on September 2, 1936; he lived in Magnolia, Mississippi during his early years and later moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School; and

WHEREAS, Frank Martin enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and served a total of 42 years in the military; he was honorably discharged with a highly decorated career; throughout his time in the Army, he served as a military police officer and paratrooper and completed Ranger training; he was deployed to the Korean War and later joined the Marine Corps Reserve; he made several firsts in the military as an African American, and when the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School allowed African Americans to assess for the special forces, he was one of the first selected to train and became a special operations soldier; from 1960 to 1978, he served in several special forces units; and

WHEREAS, Frank Martin began his 36-year career in law enforcement in New Orleans, Louisiana, working at the 6th District Police Station and the detective bureau for the New Orleans Police Department; he then joined the Chicago Police Department, holding several positions during his tenure there; he joined the Country Club Hills Police Department as a lieutenant; in all, he served as chief of police in three jurisdictions in Illinois, including Ford Heights, Hopkins Park, and Sauk Village; and

WHEREAS, Frank Martin served as alderman for the 5th ward in Country Club Hills; and

WHEREAS, Frank Martin was affectionately known as "Junior" and "Sam" when he was young, and then as "Paw Paw" and "Paw Paw Frank" by his grandchildren; he loved to count the number of great-grandchildren he had; he gave them nicknames and enjoyed hearing of their escapades; his heart was always with his family, and he was there for everyone, always willing to help, to celebrate, to console, and to support, with no complaint, in pride and love; he maintained a close relationship with all of his siblings; his pride extended to his nieces and nephews and their families, and he often spoke of their accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Frank Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Prunella Perrault Martin; his parents; his brothers, Thomas Jefferson Martin, Walter Lee Martin Sr., and Burnell Martin; his sisters, Lillie Mae Martin Lames, Emily O'Neil Martin, and Alma Cotton; his grandson, Leo Kevin Mitchell; and a host of aunts, uncles, and loved ones; and

WHEREAS, Frank Martin is survived by his wife, Rosie Martin; his children, Leimomi (Stephen) Martin Hodo, Leilani (Charles) Martin Armstrong, Frank (Grace) Martin III, Antonio (Angela) Martin, and Andre Martin; his stepson, Ronald Clemmons; his grandchildren, LaSar (Iris) Martin, Leslie (Sita) Martin, Rachel Powe, Charles (Sonia) Martin Armstrong, Christy (Calvin) Hoover, James (Chasity) Shelly, Ross (Victoria) Armstrong, George (Alyss) Hill, Jordan (Dominique) Armstrong, Taylor Hart, Bail Martin, and Starsheanna (Ryan) Breeze Washington; 20 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Mary Alice (Carl) Christian and Darlene Martin; his nephews, Roy (Dories) Melson, Walter (Lynn) Martin Jr., Rodrick Towns, Alfred Bradfield, Carl (Danyell) Christian, Carey (Jacqueline) Christian, and Vernell (Gabrielle) Martin; his nieces, Gwanda Adams, Michelle Hector, Tara (Larry) Martin, and Theresa (Ricky) Mack; and his childhood friend, Harry (Dorothy) Perrault; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Frank Bernardo Belergy Martin Jr. 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 Frank Martin as an expression of our deepest sympathy.