Charles Rex Parker '66

Charles Rex Parker, 75, of Bloomington, passed away at 6:08 p.m. Monday December 25, 2023, at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Charles was born on November 24, 1948, in Salinas, California to Mart and Ruth (Geiger) Parker.

Charles married Kathleen Keegan on December 28, 1974, in Virginia. She survives. Also surviving are his one daughter, Jennifer (Michael) Barrowclough; two grandchildren, Audrey Mae and Arlo Barrowclough; two sisters, Lucie (David) Slight and Ellen Barr; one brother, Richard Parker.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Adam Parker.

Charles worked as an Aquatic Biologist for the Great Smokey Mountains National Park for 30 years, specializing in Caddisflies.

In his free time, he enjoyed hiking and collecting insects. His inurnment will be held at a later date. His Cremation rites have been entrusted with Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home. Charles will be known as a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, ATBI, 1316 Cherokee Orchard Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 37738.