IL HR1029

Illinois House of Representatives honors the memory of Thomas A. Oakley of Quincy, who passed away on April 13, 2022

Oakley was born June 24, 1932, graduated from Duke University in 1954, served as an Air Force pilot, and led Quincy Media, Inc. as president/CEO from 1969 to 2008, expanding the company from a single newspaper and radio/TV station to multiple markets

Served on numerous boards and committees including Quincy University Board of Trustees, National Association of Broadcasters, and USGA Greens Section Committee for over 40 years; helped found the Joint Industrial Development Commission (predecessor to GREDF)

Spent over 60 years on highway development advocacy for the tri-state region and donated $1 million to establish the Tri-State Development Summit at Culver Stockton College; the Thomas A. Oakley Highway was named in his honor in 2009

House extends sincere condolences to his surviving family including son Ralph, daughter Mary, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members