Robert T. Parkhill

Robert Theodore Parkhill, 99, departed his earthly life on February 8, 2025, just 77 days shy of his 100th birthday at home, surrounded by his family. Robert was born on April 26, 1925 to Olen and Dorothy Parkhill in Champaign, IL. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Webb whom he married November 16, 1953 in Evanston, IL, his daughter Ann Parkhill Suchoff of Champaign, his son John Charles Parkhill of Champaign, 3 grandchildren Whitney Parkhill of Aiken, SC, Clayton (Stephanie) Parkhill of Champaign, and Megan Parkhill Suchoff of Chicago, IL & 2 great-grandchildren, Theodore & Emilie of Champaign. Also surviving are half brothers Olen G. Parkhill Jr. (Bud) of Spruce Creek, FL , Thomas Parkhill of Champaign and James Parkhill of Houston, TX along with many cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his son in law, Stuart Suchoff of Laguna Niguel, CA, his daughter in law, Page Johnson Parkhill of Champaign, and his half sister Marguerite Parkhill McKinny.

He spent his summers as a young boy in Montana at Beehive ranch and Flathead Lake with Parkhill Tour and Travel working with horses for the summer camp attendees.

Robert attended Champaign schools including Champaign High where he left early to enroll in the military. He went on to study Pre-Med at the University of Illinois under the GI Bill and graduated in 1949. While at U of I, Robert was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

Upon graduating, Robert started working at Parkhill Motor Sales. He was involved with the dealership until 1997 when Parkhill Motor Sales merged with Sullivan Chevrolet to become what is now Sullivan-Parkhill.

In 1975, Robert was involved with Illini Swallow Lines as manager, another family business.

Robert was a long time member of Champaign Rotary. Additionally, he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Carle Foundation from 1980-1987 and served on the Board of Directors at First National Bank for many years.

In his retirement, Robert and his wife, Nancy, loved traveling in their RVs around the country and made many friends along the way.

A private burial will be held in Rantoul at Maplewood Cemetery for close family members.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Health First Private Duty: 3594 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32935.


 

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