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Clayton Parks Obituary
PRINCEVILLE - Clayton Parks, age 32, of Elgin, formerly of Princeville, passed away on Friday, February 15, 2019.
He was born in Peoria, Illinois, on February 26, 1986, to Roger and Leslie Parks, and grew up in Princeville, Illinois.
Clay was a human resources manager at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, Illinois, where he worked since November. He also was an alumnus of Northern Illinois University, where he graduated in 2014 from the College of Business. Clay was a force to be reckoned with. He commanded attention when he entered a room and could strike up a conversation with anyone he came into contact with. His smile and his laugh were contagious, and he was a fierce protector of his family and friends. He was an avid sports fan (Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs), and he had many hobbies, but his family was his greatest joy. He took his responsibilities as a husband and father very seriously and held those titles above all else.
He is survived by his wife, Abby Parks (Bowen); his son, Axel Parks; his mother and stepfather, Leslie and Dave Kendra; brother, Cole Sloan; his in-laws, Todd and Kim Bowen; sister-in-law, Kaylynn (Mike) O'Donnell; and his maternal grandmother, Charlene Bell.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roger Parks; paternal grandparents, Earl Dale Parks and Evelyn Casley; and his maternal grandfather, Bill Deer.
As we celebrate Clay's life, please come dressed in what makes you most comfortable. For Clay, that was sports attire or Salt Life brand clothing. He left the formal dress for work, so let's show our love for him by honoring his stance on comfortable clothing and wearing what's most comfortable to us, whether that's sports attire, Salt Life, or something else! All are invited to gather together to celebrate Clay's life at a visitation to be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a 2 p.m. chapel service, at Willow Funeral Home, 1415 W. Algonquin Road (one mile east of Randall Road), Algonquin. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Parks family using the following GoFundMe campaigns: Clay Parks Memory Fund, https://www.gofundme.com/clay-parks-memory-fund; and Clay Parks – Axel Parks' College Fund #AuroraStrong, https://www.gofundme.com/vmtbaj-aurora-strong-axel-parks-college-fund.
Online condolences may be directed at willowfh.com. For more information, call 847-458-1700.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clayton Parks
Sponsored by Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care - Algonquin.
March 24, 2019
My deepest condolences for the tragic loss of your loved one. While no one can erase your pain, may the God of all comfort be with you to bring comfort to your hearts. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
LD
February 27, 2019
Dearest Abby and All Family
Words just cannot express how saddened I am for your tragic loss, and I send my heartfelt condolences to you. God will comfort you and give you the strength to cope. He will comfort your broken hearts. (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17). May your cherished good memories of Clayton also bring you comfort. Clayton will definitely be missed.
Fr. Brandt
February 24, 2019
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. Clayton will be remembered at the Police Mass on Sunday, 24 FEB, 11:00 a.m. at Mercy Home - 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]
February 23, 2019
Hi,
I knew Clay well, sad to hear about his passing. I coached him for 4 years on the chess team in Princeville.
Tom Smit, Bonaire Dutch Antilles
Tom Green
February 22, 2019
We do not know each other - please know that I am so profoundly sadden by your lose of Clay - wonderful young man, just by media coverage. Your family members are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you.
Johanna Butler
February 21, 2019
No words. None. There aren't any.
Karen J
February 21, 2019
I do not know you and did not know Clayton but I offer my deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your husband, father, son, family member, and friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I pray that happy memories of Clayton will guide you through this most difficult time.
February 21, 2019
Although I did not personally know Clay, please accept my condolences on his tragic death.
Debora Rhodes
Cassie (Joseph) Bridges
February 21, 2019
Leslie, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and all of your family. The loss of your son is unthinkable and I am so sorry. Please accept my sincere heartfelt condolences. God bless you, Clayton and your whole family.
February 20, 2019
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the death of your dear love one may God give you strength to endure this most difficult time of your life please read John 6:40
Potomac Air Lodge 1976
February 20, 2019
Please accept our heartfelt condolences
on the loss of your loved one.
Potomac Air Lodge 1976
Retiree's Club
IAM & AW Potomac Air Lodge 1976
228 Moon Clinton Road
Moon Twp, Pa 15108
Penny McNicol
February 19, 2019
Prayers and condolences to the family. God bless you all. So sorry for this horrible tragedy. Clay was a great person whom I worked with, Clay always had a smile, great personality and liked by all.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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Memorial Events
for Clayton Parks
Feb
23
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care - Algonquin1415 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin, IL 60102
Feb
23
Service
2:00 p.m.
Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care - Algonquin1415 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin, IL 60102
Funeral services provided by:
Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care - Algonquin1415 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin, IL 60102
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