83 years nine months and eight days ago Norman Willis Parks was born on Friday January 31st 1941. Norman passed away Friday November 8th 2024. Norm was born in Mendota, IL, son of Willis and Mary (Martin) Parks. He grew up on the farm with his brothers Don and Ellwyn and his sister Darlene (Etter) and went to school in Troy Grove. He lived in Streator, IL before the love of his life, Nancy (Bedeker) passed after which he moved to Coal City, IL.  Most recently, Norm was a resident at Heritage Woods of Ottawa.

  In his younger days, Norm was a member of the American Kennel Club, attending weekend dog shows with his champion pugs and Irish setters. Norm lived a life well lived filled with Mustangs, El Caminos and award-winning Corvettes. He always looked forward to his weekend car shows and cruise nights as was evident by the number of trophies and empty bottles of car wax in his garage. His loyalty switched from his Ford Mustang on to his cherry red Chevy Corvette and was involved with the Rusty Nutz Car Club of Morris.

  He retired from Marbon/Borg Warner /GE Plastics, now Sabic, in Marseilles.

  He is survived by his sister Darlene and brother Ellwyn, children: Laura Schaibley (Ottawa), Nick and Laura Parks (Marseilles) and Will and Jennifer Parks (Bloomington) along with 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, with one on the way.

  Private family services will be at a later date and burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Streator next to Nancy.

  Donations in his name can be made to Pet Project of Ottawa.

  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com