Robert E. Wharton, 94, Fairbury, died at 3:45 pm Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
His funeral will be at 10:00 am Monday, July 22, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church Fairbury with Pastor Dan Robertson officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury where full military rites will be accorded by the Fairbury American Legion and VFW posts.
Visitation will be 2:00 to 5:00 pm Sunday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. The family suggests memorials be given to the John Joda American Legion; Fairbury Speedway; or Fairview Haven Retirement Community.
Bob was born October 6, 1924 in Chicago, IL the son of Van O. and Esther Williams Wharton. He married Betty L. Travis on September 25, 1949 in Fairbury. She preceded him in death on March 26, 2013.
Survivors include one daughter, Deborah Ann Augsburger, one son, Robert V. Wharton, both of Fairbury, grandchildren, Benjamin Wharton, Jodi (Ryan Brunson) Wharton, Matthew (Jayme) Curl, and Jeffery (Bridget) Curl, great grandchildren, Cole Shawback, Dany and Sydnee Wharton, Katy, Tyler, Ellie and Jesslyn Curl, one brother, James (Elizabeth) Wharton, Fairbury.
He is preceded in death by one brother, William “Bill” Wharton.
Bob was proud to have served his country. He enlisted in the Army in 1942 and served at Anzio Beach, Italy during WWII being discharged in 1945. He was the past commander of the John Joda American Legion Post #54, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Fairbury having been a deacon and usher. He loved stock car racing, rebuilding old cars and was an avid Ford fan. He enjoyed camping and traveling but most of all he cherished his time spent with family and friends.
James Parks, Sr.
James Richard Parks, Sr., 65 of Fairbury, died at 11:42pm, Friday, July 12, 2019 at his residence in Fairbury.
Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a big ass party at his home on Saturday, July 20, 2019 to celebrate his life. Memorials may be made to the Family of James Parks, Sr. or to St. Christopher Trucker’s Relief Fund, 9217 Park West Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37923.
James was born September 11, 1953 in Joliet, a son of Robert Leroy and Florence Selby Parks. He married Karon Ward on October 15, 1972. She survives in Fairbury.
Other survivors include their children, Robert William “Buddy” Parks of LaMarque, TX, Jean Anne Champlain of Bloomington, Laura Kay King of Rantoul, James Richard (Shanelle) Parks Jr. of Mentone, CA, Elizabeth Sharon Parks of Fairbury, Davie Jo (Matt) Stabe of Round Lake Park, IL; 15 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; siblings, Laura (Bill Marchment) Parks of Potomac, Robert (Janie Gibson) Parks of Shelbyville, Tom (Judy) Parks of Fairbury, Patti (Steve) Hitchcock of Espyville, PA.
James served in the US Navy in 1971. He was a member of the American Legion Post 54 and the Owner-Operator Independent Driver’s Association.
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