1969
Kathryn
2022
Kathryn Parkhurst
December 31, 1969 — July 5, 2022
Kathryn Elizabeth Parkhurst, 90, of Decatur, Illinois passed away Tuesday, July 5th.
Kathryn was born in Decatur, IL in 1931, daughter of Dr. Albert Ogden Trimmer, MD and Albertha Irene Trimmer, of Cerro Gordo, IL. After growing up in Cerro Gordo, she graduated from the University of Illinois with a BA in Speech Correction and taught kindergarten and elementary school. She married Donald J. Parkhurst, known to her as D.J., who became a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, and they moved extensively throughout the U.S. and lived in Japan and Okinawa for several years. When he became the Squadron Commander of the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron during the Vietnam War, she took on the duties of being the Squadron Commander’s wife, which is an important leadership role in Air Force culture.
After retirement they returned to Decatur, Illinois to manage the family farms. She was active in the
Women’s Club of Cerro Gordo and spent much of her time gardening reading and caring for her cats.
Kathryn is survived by her son, Donald Curtis Parkhurst of Keswick, VA, daughter-in-law, Sally Parkhurst, three grandchildren Olivia, Grant and Timothy and sister Margaret (Snookie) Crickman.
Interment will be Wednesday, August 17, at 2:00 p.m., in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Kathryn was born in Decatur, IL in 1931, daughter of Dr. Albert Ogden Trimmer, MD and Albertha Irene Trimmer, of Cerro Gordo, IL. After growing up in Cerro Gordo, she graduated from the University of Illinois with a BA in Speech Correction and taught kindergarten and elementary school. She married Donald J. Parkhurst, known to her as D.J., who became a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, and they moved extensively throughout the U.S. and lived in Japan and Okinawa for several years. When he became the Squadron Commander of the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron during the Vietnam War, she took on the duties of being the Squadron Commander’s wife, which is an important leadership role in Air Force culture.
After retirement they returned to Decatur, Illinois to manage the family farms. She was active in the
Women’s Club of Cerro Gordo and spent much of her time gardening reading and caring for her cats.
Kathryn is survived by her son, Donald Curtis Parkhurst of Keswick, VA, daughter-in-law, Sally Parkhurst, three grandchildren Olivia, Grant and Timothy and sister Margaret (Snookie) Crickman.
Interment will be Wednesday, August 17, at 2:00 p.m., in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kathryn Parkhurst, please visit our flower store.
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