RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom, called Lafayette Gatling Sr., a most respected citizen, renowned funeral director, community servant and advocate, cherished husband and loving family man and friend, to his eternal reward on December 28, 2021; and
WHERERAS, This august body has been informed of Lafayette Gatling Sr.'s passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman ofthe 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Lafayette Sr. was born in Seaboard, North Carolina in 1940 and upon moving to Chicago became a certified general contractor and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134; and
WHEREAS, He built a funeral chapel in the 34th Ward and grew to own/operate several others; and
WHEREAS, Lafayette Sr. was blessed to empower striving residents on the far south side and across the city through providing quality funeral services. His vision for assisting families to properly bury their dead was borne when he lost his own mother at the tender age of 5 and his father was away at war; and
WHEREAS, Having touched many lives through genuine kindness, generosity and encouragement within his community and at-large, Lafayette Sr. was blessed with national and international outreach through his work; and
WHEREAS, He leaves to cherish his loving memory, an adoring wife, Marguerite, three children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, as well as a host of friends, including Alderman Carrie M. Austin; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, at the next regular council meeting on the 26th day of January, 2022, will acknowledge their heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of Lafayette Gatling Sr.; and
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Lafayette Gatling Sr. as a sign of our honor and respect.