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 train...
Click here for full text