Peter Thomas Parish

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 the 5th Quarter and the 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.   
 
A “Celebration of Life” will take place for Pete on June 29th, 2019 at Carpenter’s Hall in Chariton, Iowa with a luncheon from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A private family burial to follow at the  Chariton Cemetery. Everyone is welcome to meet up at the Office Tap around 5:00 p.m. for a fun evening of laughs and memories. Memorials may be directed to the family.

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