Mr. Carl Parker

 Known for his robust personality, love for life & family, quick wit, and a smile that welcomed even strangers into his heart, Carl E. Parker was a friend to everyone. Born to Altha Mae and Calvin Parker, Jr. on August 3, 1964 in Evanston, Illinois, Carl began a journey that would leave a lasting impression on the lives of everyone he encountered. Carl and his siblings were raised by their father after the death of their mother at an early age. This tragic turn of events only brought the family closer, and together they would thrive.

Carl was educated in the Evanston public school system, Carl earned his diploma in 1983 from Evanston Township High School (ETHS), where he was a star athlete excelling in baseball, football, and hockey. On any given day, his family could find him on the playing field - which they
called his second home. Over the years, Carl remained life-long friends with his teammates.

After high school, Carl continued his education at Eastern Illinois University where he studied Business Administration. Shortly after, he took over the helm of the well-respected family business, Parker and Sons Carpet Cleaning. Carl was not a stranger to the business. While in school, he worked summer months alongside his dad learning the day-to-day operations. His chores were unglamorous; however, he was up to the challenge. It was not long before business catapulted to record heights due to Carl's foresight to expand clientele and services.

Carl's company motto was "We Love Cleaning and It Shows" and he exemplified it with every client. For Carl, business was all about focusing on quality cleaning services and family-style treatment of every customer. His clients were family!

In 2019, Carl was the honored recipient of the Milestone Award from the Black Business Consortium of Evanston North Shore - awarded to entrepreneurs that have been in business more than 20 years. Carl was also recently elected to serve on the ETHS Foundation Board.

While Carl lived life to the fullest and basked in the success of his career, nothing compared to the pride he felt as the father of two incredible
daughters, Miranda, and Sydney and two sons, Chandler, and Ellington. Carl gave new meaning to the term "GirIDad." Without a doubt,
Miranda and Sydney knew they could count on him, and would often put that theory to the test. Without hesitation, Carl would rise to the
occasion, often halting everything to be by their side to lend support.

In 2010, Carl met Ella Woodford on a blind date. Even then, he could not resist the change to playa joke, tapping her on her shoulder while
pretending to be someone else. The laughter began in that moment and continued until Carl's final days. After three years of dating, Carl and Ella
wed on January 2, 2014. Carl was a loving husband who was patient and kind, always giving of himself to show his commitment to his bride. And
while eight years of marriage was not nearly enough, the priceless memories they shared will be held captive for eternity.

Carl found solace in the little things. He loved trying new restaurants and traveling to new cities. He enjoyed cooking for his family and never let an opportunity pass to make everyone laugh. He never went a day in his life without making a joke. Carl also loved to coach, whether it was his
daughters' sports teams, coaching high school football, or serving as a life coach and mentor to his workers, he embraced each opportunity. He
was not a shy man but was a private man. If you wanted to know how he truly felt, his actions often spoke louder than his words. Carl was also a
man of faith and active member of the Second Baptist Church in his hometown.

Carl was predeceased by his mother Altha Mae Parker, his father Calvin Parker, Jr., and his brother Steven Royce Parker. Carl leaves to cherish his wonderful memory a wife, Ella Woodford-Parker; two daughters, Miranda Parker and Sydney Parker; two sons, Chandler Bramwell and
Ellington Bramwell; a sister, Debra Parker-Boyd (Victor); a brother, Derrick Parker (Tawanda); two nephews, Charles Connor and Pierre
Boyd; one niece, Ashley Parker, and a host of aunts, uncles, other relatives, and friends.

On July 7, 2022, after a tumultuous battle with pancreatic cancer, Carl was called to the heavenly realm at the age of 57. While his earthly   departure was far too soon for those who loved him, it was perfectly calculated by God. Carl E. Parker's life was meaningful, and his legacy
will live on.

ABOUT PARKER AND SONS CARPET CLEANING

Founded in 1959 by Calvin Parker, Jr., Parker and Sons Carpet Cleaning,
has provided carpet and upholstery cleaning services to the North Shore and Chicagoland area for more than fifty years.

Carl, nothing could have prepared me for your earthy departure. It seems like yesterday when you tapped me on my shoulder during our blind date at Uncle Julio's, pretending to be someone else - a prankster from day one. Little did we know that our three-year courtship would take us on an incredible journey leading to a wonderful union - a union filled with love, laughter, and blessings even greater than we could have imagined.And while I am grateful for every single moment granted to us by God, today, I find myself yearning for just a little more time. I long
for one more opportunity to say I love you, Carl and hear you return the sentiment. I would give anything to hear you cheering on your beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers or witnessing you enjoy your all-time favorite game show, "The Price is Right," that you shamelessly admitted to watching every day for forty years. I wish I could hear the roaring bass of your voice reminding me that "the champ is here." I would gladly welcome just one more prank executed to perfection in true Parker style, and to see that signature smile that would always command attention wherever
you would go, my unofficial Mayor of Evanston. If only I had just a little more time. My heart is shattered, but I know you would want us to press
forward remembering to embrace and enjoy life just as you did. know you would want us to continue to find joy in the little things
and most importantly, hold on to and love one another. I am counting on you to watch over us, Parker. And something tells me that even from heaven, you will find a way to make us smile, because we both know ... "you got jokes!"

Thank you for choosing me to be your wife. Thank you for being a
wonderful husband and friend. My love for you will never cease.
You are, and will forever be my love. Until we meet again. (EllA)

Please keep the family in your prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette ~ Funeral Dirctor

Face masks are required on all services. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Carl Parker, please visit our floral store.