Name: John D. Parks
Johnston City

Age: 85

DOB: May 3, 1930; Parents – Marion & Bertha Blue Parks

Married: Dorothy Elizabeth Ray, December 10, 1948

Family: 2 sons – Dr. Jeffrey D. Parks (Sherrie); Stuart L. Parks (Holli)
4 grandchildren – Elizabeth of Carterville; Scott (Kannika) of Ann Arbor, MI;
Marris and Maclane of Herrin
Sister-in-law – Peggy Parks of Waco, TX; Brother-in-law – Ron Ray (Laura),
several nieces, nephews, and extended family

Proceeded in death by his parents, brothers, Gene and Stanley, sister, Mary
Alice King, in-laws Scott and Anna Ray; sister-in-law Delores

John graduated from Carrier Mills High School in 1947, received a bachelor's of education degree in 1960 and a Master's Degree in 1963 from SIU. He worked 35 years in education. He began his career as a teacher in Benton at Grant School, transferring to Johnston City in 1963 as the building principal of Jefferson Elementary. He became the high school principal in 1966 and served until 1982 when he became the Unit 1 Superintendent. He retired from the schools in 1990. He also served in the Korean War in the US Air Force and later served with the Army, Army Reserve, and the Illinois National Guard, retiring with the rank of Major.

John was a former member of the Johnston City School Board, the Bank of Johnston City board, the IL Association of School administrators, the Illinois Principals' Association, the Southern IL School Masters, the Southern IL Schools Credit Union Board of Directors, the Bi-County Health Department TB board, the H Group board of directors, and the Williamson County Special Education Executive board.

After his retirement, John enjoyed following the endeavors of his grandchildren and returned to farming, raising Limousin cattle.


Services: Reverends Joshua Benitone, Gary Clark, and John Howatt
Visitation – Johnston City high School Gymnasium, Sunday 5 to 8
Service: Murman and Wilson Funeral Home, Monday 1PM
Burial – Dillingham Cemetery


American Legion, VFW Honors Team

The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the following: Reflections Memory Care, Hospice of Southern Illinois, Mr. Carl Jackson, Wooden Spoon catering, Sheri Lazorchak.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Johnston City Community School District 1 Foundation, the Southern Illinois University Foundation, or the education fund for the Hands of Hope Foundation.

Murman and Wilson Funeral Home is entrusted with the final arrangements.