Roger J. Parmenter

Roger J. Parmenter, 86, of Galesburg, died Sunday, January 9, 2022 at home. Roger was born at home in East Galesburg on July 30, 1935, the son of William and Fontella Elizabeth (West) Parmenter. Roger left high school and joined the US Navy in 1953. He was honorably discharged in 1956. He came back to Galesburg and began working for the telephone company. His career lasted until 1994 when he retired. Roger married Mary Jane Butkovich on February 8, 1958 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Galesburg. Roger is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Jane of Galesburg; three sons, Jeff (Jeanne) Parmenter of Decatur, IL, Greg Parmenter of Galesburg, and John (Kim) Parmenter of Aurora, CO; one daughter, Denise Ashford of Rosemount, MN; five grandchildren, Jessica and Andrew Parmenter, Tyler Ashford, Whitney (Adam) Magy, and Jordan Parmenter; and one great grandson, Henry James Magy. Roger is also survived by one brother and one sister. Along with his parents, Roger was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters. Roger was a longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was a dedicated member of the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285. He was a diehard fan and stockholder of the Green Bay Packers. He loved spending time outdoors tending to his yard and also enjoyed hunting. Roger was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to tell stories of the years he spent in the US Navy. Cremation will be accorded. A memorial mass and burial of cremated remains at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg later this summer. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois, 310 W William St. Decatur, IL 62522.