Stuart L. Parkinson

Stuart L. “Stu” Parkinson, 84, of Springfield, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center. He was loved by many and will be missed by all whose lives he has touched. Spending most of his life in Springfield Stuart was born in Palatine, IL and raised in the Peoria area. The son of Frederick and Mary (Morrow) Parkinson. Stuart married Rebecca Jewel Casey on December 11, 1959, after being blessed with 40 years of marriage and two daughters, she preceded him in death on April 24, 2000. He then married Phyllis Myers Jeske on June 1, 2002 in Las Vegas. Stu was a very hard working and likeable man. After proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force for 3 years, Stu joined his father and brother training and racing harness horses. Locally he worked for Capital Chrysler and Plymouth, Cap Glisson Motors, and retired from the State of Illinois Department of Public Health as a breathalyzer inspector. Stu had made many friends throughout various organizations and memberships with the Elks Lodge #158 and was a member of the Sangamo Surf Club since 1965. Stu was an avid sports fan cheering for the Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and the Illini. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughters; Daci (Dan Raffa) Rouse, Angel Parkinson, 5 grandchildren; Jacob, Justin, Jewel Rouse, Graham, and Camden Shipley,6 nieces and nephews; Lorrie (Lynn) Hesselrode, Joy (Kevin) Pautler, Robert Parkinson, Vicky (Bob) Whitmer, Johnny (Lori) Parkinson, Jill (Vern) Schlosser, sister-in-law Shirley Parkinson, and several great nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Rebecca, he is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers Max, Rex, and Bob Parkinson, and sister Jane Challacombe. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 4-8 p.m. at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E Allen St Springfield IL 62703. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 13, 2012 at 12 noon at the funeral home, with military honors conducted after the service at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Rev. John Wentz of South Side Christian Church will conduct the services. Memorials may be made in his name to his favorite organization, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Visit the online obituary at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com