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Wilson PARK Obituary
Wilson J. Park
ROCHESTER, IL - Wilson J. Park, 94, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013, at his home.
He was born Dec. 22, 1918, near New City, South of Rochester, the son of Clifford R. and Hazel Jones Park. He married June Gaddey on June 15, 1940, and she preceded him in death on Nov. 19, 2012.
He graduated from Springfield High School in 1936 and went on to attend Springfield Junior College and St. Louis College of Mortuary Science. Wilson became a licensed funeral director in 1939 and was affiliated with his grandfather, Charles L. Jones, in the C.L. Jones Funeral Home in Rochester, Ill., which became the Wilson Park Funeral Home. He continued to operate the funeral home at its present location from 19441986 and continued as a funeral director until 2006.
He was Sangamon County Supervisor of Assessments from 1963-1987. He was a member of the Rochester United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir.
He was a trustee of MacMurray College in Jacksonville for two terms, a member of the Rochester Masonic Lodge #635 AF&AM, Springfield Consistory Scottish Rite, Ansar Shrine, Ansar Retirees and Hi Twelve Club. He was a Charter member of the Rochester Lions Club and was named Rochester Citizen of the year in 1983. He was a member of the Rochester School Board of Education and served on various Rochester civic organizations' committees. Wilson was a member of the Sangamo Club, Cracker Barrell, and charter member of the Rochester Historical Preservation Society. He was a founder of the Bank of Springfield and continued as Vice President of the Board of Directors for 43 years. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors at the First Community State Bank in Staunton.
Wilson loved to travel, enjoyed the Cardinals in his later years and all his family.
Preceded in death by his brother, Donald Park, he is survived by his two sons, W. Greg (wife, Kathy) Park of Rochester and Stephen D. Park of Victor, Colo.; daughter, Susan D. Park of Rochester; a sister, Doris Park Clark of St. Louis, Mo.; eight grandchildren: Brian Park, Jennifer (husband, Brian) Killian, Eric Park, Erin (husband, Josh) Rovey, John (wife, Tiffany) Park, Megan Park, and Kinsey and Kristin Park; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 10, 2013, from 3:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester. Masonic services will be held at 6:45 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the Rochester United Methodist Church with Rev. Kathy Sweet and Rev. Jack Swank officiating. Burial will be in Rochester Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Rochester United Methodist Church, Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Rochester Historical Preservation Society.
Wilson Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please visit our online obituaries at www.wilsonparkfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilson PARK
Bobbie & Jerry Moomey
July 14, 2013
Sue and family,
Just heard about your father.
We are sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace.
sexton mccann kandi
July 12, 2013
we are all so sorry again, for your loss. your family has taken great care of so many for so many years in this community may God bless you all.
Dottie Washington
July 12, 2013
Greg & Family you have my Deepest Sympathy. Whenever I heard your Father speak I always thought that he had a voice for radio.
July 11, 2013
Greg,
I'm sorry for your loss. Be consoled by the fact that your father had a long, blessed life surrounded by loving children and grandchildren.
Deborah Gresta Baird
July 11, 2013
Greg, Kathy, Steve and Susan I am so sorry for your loss both your parents were such assets to so many people's life always willing to help. May you all find peace in the fact that the Park family as a whole have always been such great examples of love, peace and hope. Tom and Linda Krepel
Dick and Cindy Smith
July 10, 2013
Greg and family. We are sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Mike and Melva Jo Sexton
July 10, 2013
We extend our sympathy to Greg, Stephen and Susan.
Grover and Marilyn Schrock
July 10, 2013
Greg and family. I am sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May god bless your family
Rev. Kathy McCafferty
July 10, 2013
Wilson stood beside many who faced death on earth; he will probably be one who welcomes us into the gates of heaven! Our cares and prayers are with all his family and friends.
Vickee Huff
July 9, 2013
It has been with great joy to have had the chance to spend five years with June and Wilson they both touched my heart deeply, Wilson will be missed as June has been. Greg, Susan and Steve thank you for letting me be apart of your family and allowing me to care for your parents. May you find peace in your heart they both are together again in heaven. Until we meet again.
Mindy Parnell
July 9, 2013
Greg, My prayers are with you and your family! May God bless you all
July 9, 2013
Greg, Steve, & Susan, just know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Gene & Sheila Gabriel
Laverne & Rita Graves
July 9, 2013
Greg and family, Wilson was a long time friend of my parents. I think with his passing most of their friends from Rochester are gone. He and your Mom were wonderful people and I know you and the grandkids will miss him.
RIP Mr. Park. You all are in our thoughts and prayers
Jeanette Crown
July 9, 2013
Sue and Greg: your father brought comfort to so very many people in their grief and you have continued to do so as well. Now may those kind and loving deeds be returned to you in full measure as you grieve his passing.
MERVIN & LEDABELLE SPURGEON
July 9, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Pat Coffey Ashton
July 9, 2013
Susan, Greg, Steve and families: So many fond memories of your dad, both as a family friend and as a compassionate business owner. I speak for the entire Coffey Family in extending deepest sympathies. Prayers for all during this difficult time.
July 9, 2013
So sorry to hear of Wilson's passing. I have many fond memories of your mom and dad. They were always very kind to the "Jones" girls. My thoughts are with your family at this time.
Charlotte Jones Bixby, cousin
July 9, 2013
We are very sorry to hear of Wilson's passing. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. - George and Sharon Southwick
Melanie Patton Krick
July 9, 2013
Park Families, I am so sorry for your loss and hope happy remembrances help you through this difficult time.
Pete and Ann Stanks
July 9, 2013
Greg, Kathy and family. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
July 9, 2013
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad may peace be with you in this time of sorrow. Jerry & Reba Robertson
larry christie
July 9, 2013
greg@familysorryaboutloss
July 9, 2013
My Prayers Are With You.
Respectfully,
Judy Gordon
Ruth Loyd
July 9, 2013
I would just like to say to the Park family how truly sorry I am to hear about Wilson. I have had the pleasure of knowing Wilson for almost 40 years and can honestly say I feel blessed to have had that honor. What a wonderful friend. May he rest in peace. You are all in my prayers and just know that God will be helping you through the days ahead.
Kara Manfredo
July 9, 2013
Steve
We are sorry for your loss.
Kara & Dave Manfredo
Karen & David Goatley-Brockman
July 9, 2013
Greg and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ken ( Brownie) Sudduth
July 9, 2013
Sorry to the lose of your Father Greg. May he rest in peace. Our extended prayers go out to you and your family.
Sharon VanDyke
July 9, 2013
Greg & Family/ I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was blessed to have lived a long life, and is at rest. May your Great Memories of him carry you all through this tough time. God Bless you all at this sad time.
July 9, 2013
The staff of KM Hair Works & Spa extends to you our most sincere heartfelt sympathy.
Carroll & Jan Heissinger
July 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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