Donald Parkhurst

Col. Donald J. Parkhurst, U.S.A.F. (Ret.), 84, passed away Saturday, February 13.Donald was born in Decatur, IL, son of Charles and Mildred Parkhurst. He graduated from Syracuse University with a BA in Business Management. Donald served for 28 years in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot. He was a Vietnam veteran and awarded two distinguished flying crosses. He was a squadron commander flying F4 Phantom jets. Near the end of the war, he led one third of his squadron in Wild Weasel missions in Vietnam. Donald finished his career as a Vice Wing Commander.After retirement, he returned to Illinois to manage his farms. He belonged to the Cerro Gordo Masonic Lodge 600 and the American Legion Cerro Gordo Post 117.Donald is survived by his wife, Kathryn, his son, Curtis, and three grandchildren: Timothy, Olivia, and Grant.On Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., there will be a Celebration of Donald’s life at the Cerro Gordo American Legion Hall on the corner of 220 West Wait Street across from the grade school. Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, is handling the arrangements.Condolences may be left to the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home at www.brintlingerandearl.com "
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