Rex Parker

Rex A. Parker, 88, of Rockford, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026. Born July 18, 1937, in Rockford, the son of Philo L. and Sarah D. "Sally" (Stiles) Parker. He was a descendant of great-great grandparents who homesteaded in Winnebago County in 1838, which became Park-er-Woods subdivision. Rex married Carol D. Cleveland on August 24, 1957, at Grace Methodist Church in Rockford.

He received a B.S. degree from Illinois State University and a M.S. degree in Business from Northern Illinois University.

Following ISU graduation in 1959, Rex taught business at Bradley Bourbonnais and coached basketball and football. Then he accepted an associate director position at NIU in Dekalb in 1961. Next, he became Director of Special Services and Coordinator of Field House and Stadium Facilities.

In 1972, he became general manager of Henrici's Motor Inn, later known as the Clock Tower Resort, World Famous Time Museum, Convention Center and Tennis Club. As Vice President, he remained at the resort for 26 years until it sold.

In addition to his resort responsibilities, as an original Rockford Metro Center Board member (BMO Center), he traveled the country researching civic centers to help develop the Metro Center into one of the most modern and efficient designs. He was appointed a Governor for Best Western International for Illinois. He served as President of the Illinois Hotel Motel Association Board. He served on the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the University Club Board. He was on the Board of Directors of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, serving a term as President.

After the Clock Tower Resort sale, he retired. But that did not last. He substituted in the Rockford Public Schools, he taught at Rock Valley College and served as an interim administrator at the Mill, a treatment center for at-risk-youth. After two years of part-time work, he accepted an associate-professor full-time position with Rock Valley College until he retired - again.

But wait, there's more! Wanting a new challenge, in 2007, he accepted a temporary hospitality teaching position at Shanghai Normal University in Shanghai, China. So, he and wife Carol moved to Shanghai. While he had his teaching gig, Carol taught English as a second language and resume preparation.

Moreover, somewhere squeezed amongst their schedules, Carol started a new business, Parker's Friendly Adventures, which she let Rex label himself as vice president so he could tag along. This incredible endeavor allowed them and many customers-who became friends, to journey to over 35 countries.

Rex was a member of Christ United Methodist Church for over 50 years, serving on various committees. He was a charter member, serving terms as President of the Rockford East Rotary Club and a Kiwanis International member while working at NIU.

Rex loved his friends and socializing. He would engage anyone in conversation. He enthusiastically enjoyed learning about others, their stories/history, what made them tick, what made them successful. He encouraged continued education. In retirement, he engulfed himself into the stock market, often challenging his advisors for better returns. He was a founding member of the Determinators stock investment club. He enjoyed woodworking with most of his projects utilizing harvested walnut and oak from Park-er-Woods.

A lifelong athlete and fan, he played basketball, baseball, football, tennis, golf and other sports. He was a captain of the 1955 Rockford West High Warrior State Championship basketball team. Through his career and retirement, he and Carol participated in the Senior Olympic Games, traveling coast to coast to compete in tennis to qualify for the nationals, where they achieved top placements. In golf, he accomplished a feat unlike very few, he scored three hole-in-ones, two were within a four-day period. As an avid sports fan, he loved to follow his college alma-maters, he was a fierce NCAA March Madness bracket picker, and of course, Da Bears.

But although he experienced life to the fullest, there was nothing more he cherished and proud of than his family! He always provided support and encouragement. He never wanted to miss an opportunity to travel to see, hug and talk with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to learn of their adventures. Even though children were constantly on the move from Wisconsin to Colorado to Alaska to California to Florida to Kansas, he would make the trip to visit.

Survived by his wife, Carol; children, Tim Parker (fiancé Ruth Anne), Toben Parker (spouse Christina Barnes), and Traci Parker; grandchildren, Jeremiah Parker (spouse Kate), Daniel Parker (spouse Kaecey) and Kylie Parker (partner Hunter McGuire); and great-grandchildren, Charli May, Jude, Micaiah, Asher, Wren, Haze, and Nora. Predeceased by his parents; and sister, Patricia Parker Karp.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4055 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford with Pastor Caleb Hong officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026 at Olson North Main Chapel, 2811 N. Main St., Rockford and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the April 7th service. Private burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Rd., Rockford, IL 61107, the Rockford Park District Memorial Fund or the Rockford Boys & Girls Club. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.olsonfh.com .