Wendell L. Parkhurst

Wendell L. Parkhurst, age 88 of Charleston, IL passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Reverend Ron Dickinson will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Bethel Cemetery in Mattoon, IL. Military Rites will be conducted by VFW Post 4325. The visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Wendell was born on December 6, 1936, in Lafayette, TN to the late Martin T. and Ruby (Harp) Parkhurst. He married Helen I. Martin on October 14, 1961; she survives and resides in Charleston, IL. He is also survived by four children: Pamela J. Mauzy and husband Bill of Charleston, IL, David B. Parkhurst of Paducah, KY, Martin T. Parkhurst and wife Tammy of Rogers, AR, Wendy A. Bennett and husband Steve of Charleston, IL; one brother, Charlie Parkhurst and wife Sharon of Edmond, OK; one sister, Hilda Orndorff of Humboldt, IL; seven grandchildren: Jeremy Mauzy and wife Callie of Chicago, IL, Kacie Parrish and husband Matt of Rogers, AR, Andrew Mauzy and wife Mallory of University, MO, Blake Parkhurst of Rogers, AR, Logan Parkhurst of Rogers, AR, Zachary Bennett and wife Terra of Carterville, IL, Sydney Bennett and fiancé Austin of Indianapolis, IN; four great-grandchildren: Selah Parrish, Eliana Parrish, Ellison Parkhurst and George Mauzy. He was preceded in death by one brother, Lloyd Parkhurst; and one sister, Helen Phillips. Mr. Parkhurst was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Columbia Machine in Mattoon, IL after serving as an electronic technician for many years. Following that he was employed at ADM in Decatur, IL A jack of all trades, Wendell was able to repair or fix just about anything. He was referred to as the family handyman. He enjoyed NASCAR racing and playing cards. A true animal lover, Wendell had a special bond with his beloved dogs. Blessed with a large family, Wendell’s life was filled with love, and laughter. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed. Memorial donations in his honor may be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter, 6818 N Co Rd 1120E, Charleston, IL 61920. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

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Wendell L. Parkhurst

December 6, 1936 - December 18, 2024