Keith Parman

MADISON - Keith Alexander Parman, age 88, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Oak Park Place (Janesville). He was born on October 5, 1937, in Madison, Wis., the son of Clayton and Janice (Jordan) Parman.

Keith graduated from Madison Central High School in 1955. He married Devey Hewitt Parman on February 4, 1961, in Madison.

In 1962, Keith and his brother, Clayton Jr., took over the family service station which their father built and opened on Monroe St in Madison in 1941. He worked there until retiring in 2011. During his career, he and his brother's car repair and gas station business, "Parman's," was mentioned many times in the Wisconsin State Journal for their generosity and unique business practices.

Parman's was also featured in "Fill'er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations," which was a 2007 documentary produced by PBS Wisconsin in partnership with the Wisconsin Historical Society. "Parman's," the business, also appeared in the book having the same title.

Keith also received “Best Of Madison” awards from Madison Magazine, including "Most Honest Mechanic" and “Best Mechanic.”

Keith loved his work, but loved his employees, too! In fact, every Saturday for over 40 years he took all of his employees out to breakfast before their half-day at the shop! He didn't forget to treat the customers either, because every weekday morning, he'd stop by the bakery for some fresh donuts to go along with the big pot of coffee that was always brewing. Strong coffee, that Keith sometimes called, "Parman-Roasted."

From 1941-2011, Parman's Service was in the business of taking care of cars and their customers. Their schedule was always loaded because Keith's dad, Clayton Parman Sr., always said, "treat people right, and they'll never go anywhere else."  That, is so very true, and was the Parman way for 70 years!

When not serving his customers and the community, Keith loved to attend his grandchildren's sporting events. There were literally hundreds of baseball, softball, hockey, and volleyball games over the years for him to enjoy. Oh, and once the games were over, Keith would often say, "should we all go out for a sandwich?"

Keith also enjoyed watching the Brewers, Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers, especially the Wisconsin Badgers Basketball team.

To relax, Keith enjoyed spending time up-north in Vilas County boating and fishing with family.

He was always the first person in the room to offer you a chair, something to drink, or a helping hand. However, his biggest contribution was his loving heart. His heart gave out on him in the end, but only after loving others for 88 years!

Keith is survived by his sons, Raymond (Trina) Parman and Robert "Bob" Parman; grandsons, Robert Parman Jr., Kody (Laura) Parman and Blake Parman; granddaughter, Olivia (Zach) Cole; great-grandson, Max Parman; great-granddaughters, Lee Parman and Devey Cole; great-grandchild, Baby Cole; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his wife, Devey Lee Parman; parents; and brother, Clayton Parman.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Special thanks to Oak Park Place and SSM Hospice for their care.

Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420