Roby Parks Obituary (1938

Roby Parks, 85, of Lincoln, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Roby was born May 17, 1938, in Beason, IL, the son of Paul E. and Florence M. (Gehlbach) Parks. He married Janice "Jan" Kay Wertin on May 15, 1971, in Springfield. She preceded him in death in 2006. Roby is survived by his longtime companion: Rebecca "Becky" Wardell of Gibraltar, MI; nieces and nephews, Karl Hauffe (Judy), Dan Hauffe (Leslie), Rebecca Hauffe-O'Connell (Patrick), Deborah Parks, Kim Parks-Hum (Scott), Shelley Craycraft (Russell); a great-niece, Skylir Kenning, and a great-nephew, Dustin Robertson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jan; parents; and siblings, Leo H. Parks, Jean Hauffe, and Richard "Ritchie" Parks. Roby graduated from Beason High School in 1956 and then later University of Illinois with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1958-1961. Roby worked for Fiat for many years before moving on to Caterpillar from where he later retired. He enjoyed the outdoors, frequently spending time boating and traveling in the RV. While camping, Roby liked to sit by the fire and drink a cold Keystone Light. Roby also spent time mowing and caring for his yard, which he took great pride in. A graveside service for Roby will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at New Union Cemetery in Lincoln where full military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #263. Memorials may be made in Roby's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln.