David Stoddard

Argenta - David Ansel Stoddard, 92, of Argenta died 11:14 AM December 13, 2008 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 PM Wednesday December 17, 2008 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday December 18, 2008 at Central Christian Church, Decatur. Burial will be at a later date at Friends Creek Cemetery in Argenta.Memorials can be made to Central Christian Church, Decatur Memorial Hospital - Nurses Education Fund or to the donors choice.David was born September 3, 1916 in Decatur, IL, the son of Lester Martin and Alice (Bailey) Stoddard. David moved at the age of five to Winnetka, IL and subsequently lived in Maplewood, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA, before returning to the Chicago area in 1932. After graduating from Oak Park High School in 1934, David worked at Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Company in Chicago where he met and married Ruth O. Campbell on October 5, 1940. It was during this time that he and Ruth met William C. Parke, establishing a life-long friendship and business partnership.During WWII David worked for Eastern Airlines where he played an important role in the movement of troops throughout the nation. After the war, David and Ruth returned to Decatur where he assumed the role of General Manager at Parke & Son, Inc., (Parke Warehouses) one of Decaturs oldest continuing businesses. David and William Parke, later joined by Charles E. Stewart, developed a vibrant logistics company with which he was actively associated for 61 years, eventually becoming Chairman and owner. David had tremendous respect and appreciation for the many men and women who have and continue to work at Parke & Son. David was a member of Central Christian Church, 50 year member of Noon Lions Club, and a member of Argenta / Oreana School Board for 3 terms.David and Ruth enjoyed 68 years of loving marriage, serving as role models and touching the lives of countless others. His generosity ,compassion, and sense of humor were hallmarks of his personality. Everyone who met David was better for the experience.David was loved deeply by his entire family. Surviving are his four children, Michael D. Stoddard and wife Lise of Rochester, NY, Susan R. Mooney and husband, Martin G. of Warrensburg, IL, Richard W. Stoddard and wife, Cheryl of Argenta, Bruce L. Stoddard and wife, Carol of Monticello, IL; grandchildren, Eric and wife Amy, Nicole and husband Dan, Teresa and husband Mike, Anne and husband David, Elizabeth and husband Jeremy, Heather and husband Brian, Gavin, Ian and wife Julia, Colin, Mike, Jessica, Margaret, Allison; great grandchildren Rachel, Paul, Michael, Molly, Samantha, Jamisan, Frances, Audrey, Aaron, Brayden, and Caitlyn.David was preceded in death by both parents, two brothers - Richard and Fredrick, and two sisters Eunice and Mary Alice.Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com "
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