Russell “Rusty” aka “Troll” W. Parker, 72, of Bushnell, Illinois, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family at 7:44 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
Rusty was born on January 22, 1953, in Savanna, Illinois, the son of Edward Paul and Rose Marie (Grana) Parker. Rusty or Troll as he was known by many, served in the U.S. Army from February 11, 1970, until he was honorably discharged on February 28, 1972, serving a tour in Vietnam. He married Beverly Ann Ashby on August 26, 1984, in Ellisville, Illinois.
Rusty is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bev Bushnell; and their three children, Travis M. (Stephanie) Parker of Galesburg, Sarah B. (Shawn) Harris of Bushnell, and Rustie M. (Derick) Nelson of Springfield, Illinois; six grandchildren, Skyler, Joseph, Khali, Justice, Lylah, and Azriela; and two great-grandchildren, Amara and Danny Jo. Rusty is also survived by two brothers, Clay Parker of Sabula, Iowa, and Edward of Iowa City, Iowa; and five sisters, Ladeen of California, Sandy of Savanna, Bonnie of Savanna, Shiela of Savanna, and Rosina of Savanna. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Steve; two sisters, Tina and Ruthie; and one grandson, Kaynan.
Never afraid of hard work, Rusty owned and operated his own autobody shop for many years while operating Rusty’s Overhead Doors until retiring in 2020. Into retirement, he enjoyed spending as much time as he could in his shop continuing to repair, rebuild, and restore cars and motorcycles. An avid motorcyclist, Rusty spent many years riding his Harleys all over. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to spend time fishing, shooting guns, and hunting. A lover of music, especially classic rock, could be heard from his workshop. Most of all, family came first for Rusty. He was never afraid to grab Bev’s hand and take her on the dance floor no matter how much it embarrassed his children. He loved nothing more than being able to provide for them and loving on his grandbabies. He had a joyful heart and was as ornery as could be and was known as a prankster. Rusty had a strong faith in God, was always surrounded by little ones at their church, Shepherd’s Gate Church, where he and Bev have attended for the past 17 years.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Shepherd’s Gate Church, 318 Robin Road, Macomb, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Galesburg, Illinois. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
