Buddy Dean Parker, age 60 of Charleston, passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. There will be no formal service. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Charleston Chill or Mattoon Pride Softball Programs. Gifts may be left at the visitation or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Bud was born September 6, 1957 in Charleston, a son of the late Wayne and Mary (Goodwin) Parker. He married Jeannie Moran on December 20, 2014 in Charleston. Left to cherish his memory is Jeannie, his loving and devoted wife of nearly three years; two children and three stepchildren, Adam Parker and wife Olivia of Trilla, Illinois, Kayla Massie and husband Jacob of Kansas, Illinois, Jamie Bilbrey of Moweaqua, Illinois, Devin Rose of Phoenix, Arizona and Cameron Rose currently stationed at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina; three precious grandchildren, Haley Brindos and Annie and Jameson Parker; three sisters, Barbara Vanatta, Carol Daniell and husband Michael and Terri Hildebrand and husband Bill, all of Charleston; a sister-in-law, Becky Parker of Charleston; the mother of his children, Janet Parker; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra Dobbs and her husband Robert; his brother, Barry Parker and a brother-in-law, Jon Vanatta.

Bud was a 1975 graduate of Charleston High School and furthered his education at Eastern Illinois University. Off the field, he was a familiar face at Lambo’s, where he worked third shift; and on the field, he was a familiar face as a baseball and softball umpire. Bud dearly loved umpiring and he considered each game to be a “time to make friends”. He was a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball and Chicago Bears football teams. But it was Bud’s family which took precedence over all else. He dearly loved being a grandfather and also provided daycare for his two youngest grandchildren. Bud’s role as a loving husband and father and doting grandfather has gifted those he loved the most with many fond and wonderful memories to treasure.
(Obit: Adams Funeral Chapel, Charleston, IL)