Duane Lee Parker

Duane Lee Parker died on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at his home in Dunlap, IL. He was born on April 3, 1951 in Newtown, Missouri to William and Barbara (Schoch) Parker. His parents reside in Chillicothe, IL.

He is survived by his wife, Deirdre J. (Allhands) Parker, two sons, Kevin T. Parker of Houston, TX, and Keith D. (Jen) Parker, and two grandchildren, Alex and Katrina Parker, all of Ohio. He is also survived by one sister, Carol (Yale) Martin of Indianapolis, IN, and one brother Ken, (Rosie) Parker of Normal, IL, and several nieces and nephews.

He married Deirdre on June 26, 1971 in Peoria, IL and was happily married for 44 years. He graduated with honors from IVC high school in Chillicothe and attended Illinois Central College and Bradley University. After high school he worked in the parts department for Peoria Motors.

He started working for Caterpillar Inc. on August 21, 1972. While working at CAT he earned two U.S. Patents. The first patent was for the D10 track guides that he earned with a group of co-workers. The second patent was in his name only and it was for the cushion dozer design for the D9L tractor. Duane’s name is engraved on a wall honoring D10 High Drive workers in East Peoria. While working at CAT he started as a Draftsman and Engineer, and then went on to become a Product Quality Engineer, a Quality Supervisor, a Quality Manager, an Operations Manager, a Reliability Manager and finally a Reliability and Warranty Team Leader. He earned a Certified Quality Engineer designation through the America Society of Quality.

Duane became ill with Amyotrophic Lateral Scleroses (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in October of 2001. He became so weak that he had to go on Medical Leave in August of 2003. He was totally paralyzed and on a ventilator since January 2005 until his death. His wife, Deirdre, was his Primary Caregiver. A special thanks goes to Sharon Jolliff for helping with caregiving duties for seven years and to Robert Beaumont for being Duane’s caregiver for ten and a half years. Robert was always like a loving brother to Duane.

Duane enjoyed working on old cars. When he was nineteen he disassembled the engine and transmission in Deirdre’s old car, cleaned and repaired the parts, and reassembled them in her car. He is a Lifetime Member of the Illinois Valley Antique Auto Club (IVAAC). Duane also enjoyed woodworking, reading, cycling, golfing, bowling, snow skiing, and scuba diving. When his two sons were young, Duane served as a Den Leader and Pack Leader for Cub Scouts for several years and also as Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts in Washington, IL

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home at 2409 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, IL. The Celebration of Life service will be at 2 p.m. immediately after the Visitation. Eric Dupree will conduct the memorial service. Cremation will be accorded following the services. Burial will be at the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, IL at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the national office of the ALS Association and please mark it for “Research”.

Please view Duane’s obituary online at www.Woosley-Wilton.com