William F. Parker

Age 80 of Wilmington, Illinois, died peacefully Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Morris Hospital.

Born September 18, 1941, in Red Bay, Alabama, William was a son of Dink and Janie (Holland) Parker. He was raised in Red Bay and lived there for 16 years with his family.

William eventually moved to Joliet, Illinois, where he attended Joliet Junior College and received his certification in welding. He moved around central Illinois from Joliet to Gurnee and Aurora, then finally settled in Wilmington, where he resided for 55 years.

William worked for Crossfield Chemical, formerly Stauffer Chemical Company, in Joliet. He wore many hats over the years, his main job being maintenance for the plant. William retired from Crossfield Chemical after working more than 30 years.

He was a member of the Wilmington Moose Lodge #241 and a longtime member of the Meneoka New Lenox Sports and Recreation Club. William enjoyed meeting his friends for a drink and attending Lightning Bingo at the moose lodge. He looked forward to working at The Rustic Inn in Wilmington during Catfish Days, where he helped cook for the past 24 years. 

William's hobbies included collecting fishing poles and guns. Being an avid outdoorsman, any spare time he had would be spent outdoors fishing on the lake or hunting in the woods. William was a social butterfly, moving from bar-to-bar in downtown Wilmington making friends anywhere he went. Between his jokes and witty comebacks, he could put a smile on anyone’s face. Many had learned not to drink from the water bottle William kept in his overalls pocket or the “moon shine bandit” would strike again.

Survivors include three children: Rhonda (Johnny Keyman) Parker, Mark (Melissa) Parker, and Alexandria (Zach) Zinanni; four grandchildren: Mark A. Parker, Jeremy Mandat, Alexandria (Zach) Zinanni, and Darion Parker; two great-grandchildren: Brantley J. and Braelyn M. Zinanni; one brother: Billy Wayne Parker; two sisters-in-law: Barbara and Vicki Parker; many nieces and nephews; several cousins; and his special friends: Jim Dent, Jerry Gaddis, Doug Forsythe, and Mark “Rojo” Neilson.

William was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings: Eldon Parker, Elbert Parker, Roberta Murphy, Gertrude Massey, Maxine Barker, Mildred Scott, and Geneva Parker.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 E. Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. until time of service at 6:00 p.m.

Family and friends may join the funeral services virtually by logging onto: WILLIAM PARKER FUNERAL

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share William’s memorial page through social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.