RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Kenneth ("Kenny") E. Holmes has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 72; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Kenny is survived by his devoted wife of more than 50 years, Von Cile Holmes, daughters Natashia Lynnette Holmes and Adrianne R. Holmes, daughter-in-law Crystal Holmes and granddaughter, Adrianna Elizabeth Von Holmes, brother Ronald L. Holmes, sisters, Marie France and Cecili L. Bell, brother-in-law, Travis Biggs, mother-in-law Sara M. Gibbs, and a multitude of close relatives and very dear friends; and
WHEREAS, Kenny was born December 11,1947 to Amos and Bertha Holmes in Hopkins, Florida; and
WHEREAS, Kenny received an Associates of Arts degree from Brevard Junior College, a Business Associates from Florida State University in History, with minors in Sociology and Education, and a Master of Education from Stetson University; and
WHEREAS, Kenny was a member ofthe class of the first black graduates from Florida State University and went on to serve as a member ofthe United States Army from 1971 - 1973, last stationed in Munich, German; and
WHEREAS, Kenny began his career in public service in 1973 in his hometown of Melbourne, Florida after returning from military service as an Employment Interviewer Specialist with the Florida Department of Commerce, later known as the Department of Labor and Employment Security; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, Kenny was promoted to Area Administrator ofthe Division of Unemployment Compensation; and
WHEREAS, After serving as Area.Administrator for twelve years, Kenny was promoted to Chief ofthe Bureau of Claims and Benefits; and
WHEREAS, In 1992 Kenny was promoted to Assistant Director of the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security, and was subsequently appointed as the Director of the department; and
WHEREAS, While Kenny was a lifelong public servant, his dedication to his family and his Church was of the upmost importance serving as Chairman ofthe Deacon's Board and Chair ofthe Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Kenneth E. Holmes imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members ofthe Chicago City Council, assembled this Seventeenth day of June, 2020, do hereby commemorate Kenneth E. Holmes for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Kenneth E. Holmes.
Edward M. Burke Alderman, 14th Ward