from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Stuart “Stu” Parkinson, 84, of Springfield, Ill., died Jan. 9, 2012, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

After proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Parkinson joined his father, Fred, and brother, Bob, training and racing Standardbreds.

He married Rebecca Jewel Casey on Dec. 11, 1959, and she preceded him in death on April 24, 2000. He then married Phyllis Myers Jeske on June 2, 2002, and she survives.

Mr. Parkinson is also survived by his daughters, Daci Rouse and Angela; grandchildren, Jacob Rouse, Justin Rouse, Jewel Rouse, Graham Shipley and Camden Shipley; sister-in-law, Shirley; and nieces and nephews, Lorrie Hesselrode, Joy Pautler, Robert, Vicki Whitmer, Johnny and Jill Schlosser. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mary; brothers, Max, Rex and Bob; and sister, Jane Challacombe.