Duane Kenneth Parker

May 2, 1945 - October 24, 2026

Duane Kenneth Parker, age 81, of Elburn passed away Saturday, October 24, 2026 at his home. He was born May 2, 1945 in Kankakee, Illinois to Kenneth and Bernice Parker. Mr. Parker is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janet, three children, Jennifer (Jerome) Harrison, Beth (Clint Moyers) Parker and Nathan (Amanda) Parker, seven grandchildren, Olivia Ross, Morgan Harrison, Graham Harrison, Owen Ross, Parker Ross, Chloe Parker and Penelope Parker and a sister, Vicki (Jim) Hunziker. He was preceded in death by his parents.A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Duane touched those who knew him with his quiet strength, steady loyalty and kindness. After proudly serving his country in Vietnam, Duane hurried home to marry the redheaded carhop he had met at Ron’s Drive In. Together, they finished college, built a close and loving family, and shared a lifetime of travels and adventures. Those adventures began with tent camping with toddlers in Wisconsin, continued through the pop-up camper years with teenagers at Disney World and in national parks, and eventually brought them to winter-long stays at RV resorts in the Florida Keys with dear friends and family. Duane’s childhood hobby of shooting BB guns along the Kankakee River grew into a lifelong passion for trap and skeet shooting. He spent countless happy hours at the St. Charles Sportsmen Club, enjoying friendly competition and the company of cherished friends. During the summer, he traveled in his RV to trap competitions across the country, winning many trophies along the way. His other favorite vehicle was his blue 1966 Corvette convertible, which he had owned for more than 40 years. He loved driving it, but when asked why he didn’t drive it more often, he simply said, “I just like looking at it.” So, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, as you drive off in that little blue Vette with a glass of Dewars held high, May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be at your back. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.   Memorial visitation will be Thursday, October 29th from 3-7:00 P.M. at Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 West State Street, (Rt. 38), Geneva.  Memorial service will be 7:00 P.M., Thursday, October 29th at Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 West State Street, (Rt. 38), Geneva.  Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10:00 A.M.Guest BookShareEmailPrint