Charles R. "Chuck" Parks

Charles R. ""Chuck"" Parks, age 85, of Benton, IL, and formerly of West Frankfort, IL, passed away at 8:20 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2015, at Franklin Hospital of Benton, IL.

He was born on Friday, January 24, 1930, the son of Ruel W. and Lillian May (Arnold) Parks.

Charles grew up and attended school in Marion and was a graduate of Marion High School Class of 1948.

He answered the call of this nation by serving in the United States Air Force. After his period of faithful service from August 6, 1948 until August 31, 1968, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant.

After returning to Southern Illinois he was a Building Management Supervisor for the Marion VA Medical Center for fourteen years until he retired in 1990.

Charles was united in marriage to Ida M. Dickinson in Las Vegas, NV, on Wednesday, November 13, 1985, and together they shared over twenty-one years of marriage until her death on October 30, 2007.

He was of the Protestant faith and was a former member of the West Frankfort Elks Club, a life member of VFW Heyde-Pillow Post No. 1301 of Marion, IL and a member of the American Legion Post No. 1961 of Orient, IL.

He is survived by his stepson, William Neeley of Benton, IL; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Tom Collard and Charann and Ronnie Cox all of San Antonio, TX, twelve grandchildren, other extended family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ida M. Parks and two sisters, Anabelle Heron and Shirley Curtis.

Arrangements for Charles R. ""Chuck"" Parks have been entrusted to the Stone Funeral Home, 1201 East Poplar Street, West Frankfort, IL.

The graveside committal service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2015, in Odd Fellows Cemetery of Marion, IL with Rev. Curtis Smith presiding.

Those wishing to attend the graveside service should gather at the cemetery prior to 11:00 a.m.

Military honors will be accorded at the graveside by members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 both of Marion, IL and Scott Air Force Base Funeral Honors Detail.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to either the ""Leukemia Association"" or the ""Franklin County Animal Control"". Memorial envelopes will be available at the cemetery or may be mailed in care of Stone Funeral Home, 1201 E. Poplar St., West Frankfort, IL 62896.

For additional information, or to leave an online ""Condolence of Memory"" or light a ""Candle in Memory"", please visit our website at www. stonefh.com or call 618-932-2161.