John Carlton Parkhurst "Parky", of Peoria, passed away last month in Peoria. Mr. Parkhurst graduated from Wabash College and served in the Army Air Forces from 1942-1945, earning the Bronze Star. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1948.

He will forever be remembered as the "Father of Home Rule," creating the powers of local government later used by the City of Peoria to finance the Peoria Civic Center. He also served as Assistant Illinois Attorney General in charge of pollution prosecution and consumer fraud from 1969-1972. He retired from politics undefeated and returned to Peoria to raise his family and pursue his legal career.

Click here to read the full obituary in the Peoria Journal Star.