MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR EDDIE JOSEPH BARNEY
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom has called Eddie Joseph Barney, most beloved citizen, to his eternal reward on April 26, 2019; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Pat Dowell, Alderman of the 3rd Ward; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 4, 1942 in Yazoo, Mississippi to loving parents Steve and Ethel Barney, Eddie Joseph was the second child born to this union. Both his parents preceded him in death along with his siblings, Ronald, Paul, and Milton; and
WHEREAS, From his earliest years he developed a deep affection for family and at age nine his family relocated to Chicago where he received his formal education. There he developed a love for playing basketball with friends; and
WHEREAS, Ed met and married the love of his life, Veronica Peppers. While in high school one of Ed's basketball teammates, Cory thought that Veronica Peppers and Ed would be a great couple. He began delivering messages to both Ed and Veronica that showed interest in each other. Surprisingly, neither of them sent any of the messages at all; it was all part of Cory's plan to get them together. They passed each other in the hall one day, and began to talk and laugh about Cory's plan. Ed married Veronica on October 24, 1964, and they began a journey in life that lasted 54 years. They became proud parents of two sons, Lynn and Byron; and
WHEREAS, To provide for his family, Ed continued his education and graduated from Coyne College. He became an electrician with an emphasis on air conditioning, heating and refrigeration. Ed's education allowed him excellent employment opportunities including Hallie Rafters, Western Electric Company, and finally retiring as an Elevator Engineer Supervisor from the Chicago Housing Authority; and
WHEREAS, After retirement, he went on to start his own electrical company and a dollar store wanting to give his family the opportunity to learn a trade and operate a business; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his numerous achievements, he dedicated his time to improving the lives of others. He was president of the London Town Homes Housing Cooperative, and also sat on the board of directors for the Men's Association where he volunteered his time; and
WHEREAS, Ed always enjoyed spending time with his family, going camping, and fishing. He decided he wanted to spend more time enjoying the outdoors, so he purchased some land, and built an A-frame summer home for his family to enjoy on Paradise Lake in Michigan. Friends and family all helped and donated their time to complete the home. Having his own private property allowed them to own their boat, go fishing, and entertain visitors. Knowing Ed and Veronica meant visiting their cabin, enjoying the lake, their boat, and eating good too. Ed enjoyed golfing, and he loved jazz and blues. He would make time to visit Mr. Rick's to see all the jazz greats before the club closed; and
WHEREAS, Ed had an unwavering adherence to the religious practices taught to him by his beloved grandmother; in 2010 on New Year's Eve, Ed was baptized as his wife stood next to him in the baptism pool. It was such a joyous occasion that most in attendance were in tears. He often enjoyed sitting on the front porch, and most of the neighbors passing by knew him. Recently, he did not travel much and if he did decide to ride with you, you couldn't drive over fifty five miles an hour; and
WHEREAS, Ed leaves to cherish his memory his wife Veronica, sons; Lynn and Byron; brother; Donald, sisters; Bobbie (Irving) Wallace, Zella Snell, and Vanessa (Joe) Schumert; sister-in-laws; Joyce Peppers, Alice Peppers, and Shirley Peppers; adoptive son; Robert Colin, adoptive daughter; Ann Guynes, nephews; nieces; cousins; Robyne, Tracy, Candace, Melvin, and extended family, and friends; and
WHEREAS, Ed touched the lives of all who knew him for his pleasant, fun loving personality, and vivacious spirit. He will be deeply missed, but the memory of his character, intelligence and faith will live on in those who knew and loved him; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we the Mayor and members of the City Council of Chicago, gathered here this twenty-second day of May, 2019, do hereby express our deep sorrow on the death of Eddie Joseph Barney and express our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends; and
PAT DOWELL Alderman, 3rd Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Eddie Joseph Barney as a sign of our honor and respect.