John P. Parker, 91, of Rockford, IL, left his earthly body on Friday, December 16, 2022 at Serenity House in Oregon, IL. John was born October 20, 1931 in Poteau, Oklahoma, the son of James and Nell (Bright) Parker. He proudly served in the United States Army for 3 years during the Korean Conflict. John married his sweetheart, Cora Rawhoof, on April 28, 1956. He was employed as a machinist at Sundstrand for 31 years. After retirement, John enjoyed working at various part time positions and volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity Restore. He was a faithful member of North Park Church of Christ where he enjoyed serving with the Helping Hands Food Pantry. In his younger years, he was active at Rockford Christian Camp. John was proud to have been able to travel with the “Vets Roll” in 2018, and even saluted the last group at the Boone County Fairgrounds in October of 2022. He had a love for fishing at Lake Koshkonong in Wisconsin, where he was infamously known as “Catfish Johnny.” John was a kind, loving, generous and exceptionally giving man who left a huge impact in this world. He will truly be missed.
John is survived by his loving wife, Cora; children, Patty (Greg) Cole, Sue Parker, Carol (Greg) Bennett and Kenny (Connie) Parker; grandchildren, Candi Bartels, Jennifer Klaas, Matthew Cole, Joshua Cole, Adam Cole, Jacob Cole, Lucas Bennett, David Bennett, Amanda Bennett, Shawn Parker and Jessica Simpson; 23 great-grandchildren; sister, Wanda McCormack; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Chris Parker; siblings, Alton Parker, Sr., Wilma Leach and Bettye Oglesby.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the staff of Serenity Home and Hospice and all of John’s doctors for their loving and compassionate care during this time.
A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Helping Hands Pantry c/o North Park Church of Christ, 7620 Elm Ave, Machesney Park, IL 61115. To share a condolence, please visit www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com.
