Peter Thomas Parish, 71, of Taylorville, IL passed away on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 1:30 a.m. surrounded by his family at Piatt County Nursing Home in Monticello, IL.
Pete was born on February 14, 1948 in Chariton, Iowa, the son of Thomas and Blanche (Plew) Parish of Chariton, Iowa. He married Rhonda (Goodman) Younker on January 1, 1995 and they later divorced.
He graduated from Chariton High School in 1967. He then went on to play football in college at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA, where he later graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. Pete was retired and throughout his career he enjoyed working in management where he managed many restaurants, golf courses, retirement homes, was a district manager for Dollar General, and eventually managed his own lawncare business. His biggest passion was owning and operating Green Gables Restaurant where he spent most of his time cooking.
Pete was most proud of his title, Papa Pete, as his grandchildren were his world. He didn’t know a stranger, and was full of orneriness. He also enjoyed sports of any kind (especially his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes), drinking coffee with his friends, and spending time in the kitchen cooking. In his younger years he devoted a lot of his time to the Jaycees, Optimist Club, and the Lions Club.
He is survived by his daughter, Kelly (Matt) Younker-Crawford of Monticello, IL; son, Cody (Tara) Younker of Litchfield, IL; granddaughter, Rilynn Younker; grandsons, Parish Younker, Macklyn Younker, and Benjamin Crawford; nieces, Michelle Wessel and Dianna Wills of Iowa; nephews, Bill Potts of Iowa, Joe Potts of Florida, and Scott Gaumer of Iowa; as well as several great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John DelPierre; sister-in-law, Margaret DelPierre; sister, Madeline Potts; brother-in-law, Bill Potts; as well as nieces and nephews.
Visitation & Prayer Service: The family will receive guests from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the prayer service at 7:00 p.m. on Friday May 10, 2019 at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568
The family will host a celebration of life from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Burton’s Tap, 110 W. Taylorville Rd., Taylorville, IL 62568, and everyone is welcome to join.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Piatt County Nursing Home, 1111 N. State St., Monticello, IL 61856, or the Taylorville Quarterback Club, Inc., 3603 Lake Shore Dr., Taylorville, IL 62568.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
