Radio legend Shane Parker - The Bear on the Air - passes away

Radio legend Shane Parker - The Bear on the Air - has passed away.

Parker was a fixture on the radio in the area after launching his career in Chicago. Even during that time in the Windy City, he never forgot where he came from. Eventually, the pull of Southern Illinois proved too strong. Bear came home and found a home on the airwaves of WDDJ 97 FM with an extremely popular evening show.

Bear took some time away from radio fueled by another passion. He opened a restaurant, following in the footsteps of his parents who owned and ran restaurants.

A return to the airwaves was inevitable as Bear found a new radio home at 93.3 WKYQ, before moving to sister station WLLE FM, WiLLiE 102.

Health concerns slowed but did not stop him. Bear continued contributing to the station and he also continued his charity work. His annual toy drive set a new record, last year. Bear wanted to make sure every child had a Merry Christmas.  

The Bear on the Air will be missed by generations of listeners across the area.