Daniel “Danny” Joseph Parkhill – Benton, IL

Daniel “Danny” Joseph Parkhill, 60, of Benton, Illinois, was welcomed into his Mighty Savior’s arms on Wednesday September 14th, 2022 at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana at 12:41 AM with his wife, family and a few close friends by his side.

Danny was born on August 2nd, 1962 in Chicago, Illinois. Preceding him in death were his parents Sharon and Loren Parkhill, step-father Garey McKee and his biological mother Diane (Stamp) Graffa, nephews Jon McClerren, Ryan Jones, David Russell and niece Amy Navrkal.
Danny is survived by his wife of 26 years, Tammy (McClerren) Parkhill, his son Nathan(38) and wife Brittany Davis (grandchildren- Carly, Megan and Toby) of Okawville, son Dustin(37) and wife Alisha Parkhill (grandchildren- Brooklyn, Hattie andAyvie) of Benton, Daughter Brandy Parkhill(33) (grandchildren- Adrien, Serenity, Laureli and Kennedy) of DeSoto, stepson Andy Johnson(31) and wife Paige Johnson (grandchildren- Brecken and Forest) of Vienna.

Also surviving Danny is his mother-in-law Betty (Hill) McClerren, sister Jennifer and husband Jeff Keener of Benton, Illinois, brother Val and AJ (Dowling) Graffa of Maine, brother Jim and wife Rickie Graffa (children Cassie and husband Gabe, Sara and husbandAndy, Kevin and wife Cassie, Zachary and Carson) of Indiana, sister Toni Graffa (daughter Heather) of Florida, sister Deb Lynch of New York (nephews Brennan, Collin, Zachary and Adam), stepsisters Heathir McKee of Washington and Dierdre McKee Pennsylvania, stepbrothers Jason McKee of Delaware and Gary McKee of Pennsylvania, sister-in-law Julie and husband Terry Carpenter (nieces and nephews Downen and husband Kyle, Emily and late husband David and Lauren) of Texas, brother-in-law Denny and Debbie McClerren of St. Louis (nephews Eric and wife Sarah, late Jon and niece Holly), sister-in-law Connie and Dale Melvin of Herrin (nieces and nephews Summer, late Ryan, Toby and wife Sarah and Tabetha and husband Casey); sister-in-law Nancy and Joe Navrkal of Texas (nephew Michael and Holli Navrkal, niece Kelcy and Nate Lemke) along with many wonderful great nieces and nephews.

He was a MedEc in the U.S. Air Force and a Foreign War Veteran, served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He worked as an EMT for over 20 years across Southern Illinois, Maytag in Herrin as a MedEc and later a factory worker there. He was an avid “BBQ guy” and he and his wife Tammy were owners of Rugged Cross BBQ in West Frankfort, then later a BBQ Sauce Co-Owner (Along side his good friend and fellow veteran Carl Johnson of Indiana) and most recently a package handler for FedEx (a job he loved dearly as well as his wonderful coworkers).

Danny was very active in serving the Lord and was a long standing guitarist on the worship team at Whittington Church. He played in several bands for 40 or so years with a variety of friends and blessed to be able to play music with his youngest son at various events and on “The Mix Praise Band” (youth group) at Whittington Church. He was a great encouragement to many and unashamed to share his faith in Jesus Christ.

Danny’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 17th, 2022. Visitation time- 10 AM-2 PM. Service time- 2:15PM Visitation/Funeral location-Whittington Church 200 W Main St, Whittington, IL 62897. Burial Service to follow- Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com