Donald L. Parks, 78, of LaSalle and a former Mendota resident died January 7, 2017 at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday in the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Rex Howe officiating. Burial will take place in Restland Cemetery, Mendota with military rites by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Visitation is from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday in the funeral home.

Donald was born October 2, 1938 in Mendota to Willis and Mary (Martin) Parks. He married Judith Fawcett in April of 1996. He was a 1956 graduate of Mendota High School and on his 18th birthday he left the family farm to join the U.S. Army. While serving with the Army he received Sharpshooter recognition. He was employed by Cross Body Shop for a number of years. He was a volunteer with the Mendota Fire Dept. He was employed by the Mendota Police Dept from October 1, 1971 to October 2, 1991 during part of his tenure he served as Acting Chief of the department. He was a independent semi-truck driver for a number of years. His interests included customs cars, restoring cars and trucks, and riding and owning horses.

He is survived by his wife, Judith of LaSalle; three daughters, JoAnn (Greg) Corcoran of Pick City, N.D., Brenda (Scott) Grobe of Mendota, Bonnie (Shane) Breen of Newark; son Donald (Geina) Parks of Mendota; 19 grandchidren, 1 great-grandchild; one sister, Darlene Loretta Etter of Peoria; two brothers Ellwyn Clyde Parks of Indianapolis, IN. and Norman Parks of Coal City.

He was preceded by his parents and infant brother Marvin Rolland Parks.

Memorials may be directed to Illinois Valley Hospice, Mendota VFW Post 4079, American Cancer Society or the donor's choice.