A City Council Resolution Honoring the Life of Frank Barnes, Jr.
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom and judgment has called Frank Barnes, Jr, an outstanding citizen of the City of Chicago, to her everlasting reward and returned to the heavenly realm on November 13, 2022; and
WHEREAS, This august Chicago City Council body has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward; and
WHEREAS, On September 19, 1935, God broke the mold when he brought Frank Barnes, Jr. into the world. The son of Frank Hendricks Barnes, Sr., and Elizabeth Overton, he was born at Cook County hospital and loved, served, laughed, and did all other types of untold things on Chicago's South Side.
WHEREAS, Frank was well-schooled, possessing a doctorate in the streets (so he told his son repeatedly) He attended Holy Angels. Part of the Archdiocese of Chicago, in his primary years, and went on to Hyde Park High School for secondary school, going on to serve in the JROTC, becoming the second highest ranking cadet for the entire school his senior year; and
WHEREAS, Frank always worked. His first job was as a paperboy, getting up before dawn, wrapping papers, getting on his bicycle, and throwing those papers in the bushes, in the gutter, and sometimes on an occasional porch, but he never missed a day. After high school, he enthusiastically joined the United States Army, serving in Korea. He worked on the supply side, serving his country proudly. He returned stateside and had several interesting opportunities. He was a groundskeeper at the old Comiskey Park, watching them White Sox, and chopping it up with the old guys; and
WHEREAS, He became a police officer, and served dutifully until his mother made him resign in fear for his safety. He loved that job. He loved being a cop. He would go on to work for the City of Chicago and Cook County. Mayor Richard Daley made him one of the first black executives for the City, as he entered a citywide training program for young up and comers. He held several jobs while working for the City. He served four mayors in Chicago - Daley, Bilandic, Byrne and Washington; and
WHEREAS, At the same time, he worked for Cook County, as a Deputy at the jail on weekends. He would later return to the County serving as Assistant Chief Operating Officer in the County's Department of Public Health, until his retirement at 71; and
WHEREAS, Though Frank held many formal positions at the City and County, his ongoing position until the day he passed was as a member of the party/organization. Every season he was on the phones or in the streets, turning resident to voters, voters to campaign workers, and candidates into elected officials, he organization he cared for most deeply was the 8th Ward Regular Democratic Organization He befriended a gentleman by the name of John H. Stroger, Jr, 8th Ward committeeman, who was most noted for his service as a Cook county Commissioner and Board President. He had deep admiration for President Stroger and worked for the 8th Ward for decades. In his later years he would go on to serve and care deeply for the 8th ward's current Alderman, Michelle Harris; and
WHEREAS, Those who preceded him in death include, but are not limited to, his father, Frank Barnes, Sr., mother Elizabeth Barnes Cunningham, her second husband, Major Cunningham, Aunt Jennie Edwards, Uncle Richard Overton, sister, Elizabeth "Dimples" Barnes, Reed Grimes, his brothers-in-law. Lawrence Reed and Michael Grimes, his brothers Yourado Barnes and Flenory "Flen" Barnes, his sister-in-law Hortense "Tense" Barnes, Cousins Paulette Smith and Delphia Yvonne Jackson, and best friend, Bill Harris; and
WHHEREAS, Frank leaves to cherish his memory, son Frank Derek Barnes, daughter-in-law Martha Cedeno-Barnes, Grandchildren Johneric, Malory and Mariel. Ex-wife Frances Pace Barnes, Nephews Lamonte Reed, Andre Reed, Darnell Reed, and Flenory Barnes, Jr., Nieces Gail Reed, Thelma reed, Tina Barnes, Nina Barnes, Trina Barnes, and a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews and close friends; and
THEREFORE, Be It Resolved, That the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, do hereby express our deep sorrow on the passing of and extend to his family our sincere condolences; and
Michelle A. Harris Alderman, 8th Ward
Be It Further Resolved That a suitable copy ofthis resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Mr. Frank Barnes, Jr.