April 25, 2022

Cortland Parker

Date Of Birth: October 29, 1947
Date Of Death: August 13, 2019
State: Illinois

Cort married Doris Hungate on February 3, 1968 in East Benton Baptist Church in Benton, IL and she survives him in Irvington. In the early years of his life, he lived in Benton, IL where he spent a lot of quality time with his grandparents: Earl and Pearl Shaffer. His grandpa taught Cort many life lessons that he passed on to others along the way. Cort was Vietnam Veteran having served in the 553 Combat Eng. division. After coming home in March of 1969, he enrolled in Rankin Technical College and earned a degree in diesel technology, and was top of his class. He worked at Booth Motor Company and E.W. Warner. He then worked for Ameren for 30 years as a diesel technician. He was known to have the tallest flag pole which he was proud of as he loved his country and proudly displayed the American flag in his front yard. Cortland enjoyed traveling to the 553rd Combat Engineer Reunions that were held throughout the U.S. and visiting with his buddies that he served in the Vietnam War. He served on the Irvington fire department and village board. He also belonged to the VFW, American Legion, and former Commander of the DAV. In the summer of 2015, being the commander of the DAV, he, his wife, Lyle, and Wanda Arnold, Rich Simer, and a group from Calumet Street Church remodeled the entire main floor, built a bathroom that would be shared by the DAV, and built an apartment for homeless veterans in the DAV on N. Hickory. Rich Simer was very helpful in teaching Doris and Wanda the proper technique in mudding, taping, and sanding drywall. Doris textured the entire upper floor in the apartment they created for homeless veterans. Cort was very proud of the DAV Hall after he and his loyal helpers completed it. Wanda Arnold decorated it per Cort’s wishes and it was a classy hall when Cort was the commander. While he was commander of the DAV, approximately five homeless veterans lived in the apartment Cort had created. He believed the DAV purpose was to help homeless veterans and veterans in general. He loved to travel with his wife. He and his wife traveled extensively throughout the U.S. in their RV and was always up for the next trip. He had made several fishing trips to Lake of the Woods in Canada. The last trip there, he took his wife to show how beautiful it was and to experience the beauty of the area. They most recently took a trip of a lifetime to the interior of Alaska in June and July of 2018. They often talk to friends they made on their trip last year. Cort was adored by his wife’s family including nieces and nephews of all ages. Cort was a very patient man with teaching the kids to fix, hunt, or whatever they would need help with. He had a special brother-in-law, Donnie Hungate, that he enjoyed hunting with during deer season each year which strengthened their bond throughout the years. Cort leaves behind his beloved wife, Doris, brother-in-law Donnie Hungate, sister-in-law Nina Hungate of Evansville, IN and Leda Bishoff of CA, nephews Justin Gauer and Nathan Hungate, and a host of friends.

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