Obituary of Richard J. Parks
Richard Joseph Parks, age 68 — known throughout his life as “Richie”, “Animal”, and “Gumper” but simply “Rich” to his friends — peacefully left this world on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 surrounded by love, leaving behind his family, countless friends, and likely a few unfinished Bigfoot investigations.
Born on June 28, 1957 in Joliet where he was rasied, Rich later settled in Braidwood, Illinois, where he raised his three daughters and built a life centered on family, laughter, and never taking things too seriously.
He was the loving husband of Karen for 43 years, who spent a lifetime lovingly tolerating his sarcasm and stubbornness; and loving him deeply anyway. Together, they built a family that meant everything to him.
Rich was a proud father to Stephanie, Samantha, and Nikki. His favorite and most cherished title, however, was “Papu,” a role he embraced wholeheartedly for his granddaughter Ally and grandson Benny, along with many honorary grandchildren who quickly learned that once Rich called you family, you were family for life.
He is survived by his devoted wife and love of his life, Karen (nee Knarr); his daughters, Stephanie (Brian Black) Parks, Samantha (James Bowie) Parks, and Nikki (Sean Liaromatis) Parks; his grandchildren, Allyssa Parks and Benjamin Bowie; his sisters, Joanne, Bonnie, Connie, Judy, Karen, and Debbie; his brothers, Dale, Joe, and Ronnie; numerous nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Florence Parks; his parents-in-law, Jack and Arlene Knarr, and his good friend, Joe Wood.
Rich was a proud graduate of Joliet East High School, Class of 1975. He met the love of his life, Karen, in a McDonald’s parking lot while sitting on his motorcycle in freezing temperatures — a story he never let anyone forget. Rich and Karen were married on September 11, 1982.
He retired from Vulcan Materials after 25 years of dedicated (and occasionally begrudging) service as a water semi-truck driver and was a proud member of Teamsters Local 179.
Rich enjoyed many things in life, including fishing, Bigfoot hunting, pistachio pudding, scratch-off lottery tickets, coaching and watching his daughters play softball, Cherry McGillicuddy’s, camping at the Braidwood Rec Club, dancing, singing loudly and unapologetically, cutting grass, Menards, the Chicago White Sox, and, above all, spending time with his family. He showed love through humor, by always showing up when it mattered most, and by turning ordinary moments into lasting memories.
Rich left this world knowing that Dirty Harry was the greatest movie ever made, and that a young Clint Eastwood was the toughest man on the planet.
Memorial donations in Rich’s name can be made to your favorite charity or your favorite watering hole, where you are instructed to tie a few on and tell a few stories of the great Rich Parks.
As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life Party will be held in Rich's honor on March 8th, 2026 at the Wilmington VFW, 557 W Baltimore St, Wilmington, IL. The doors will open at 11am and will be open until the last person leaves.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com, where those wishing to honor Rich are encouraged to share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
