Mr. Parker was a graduate of Gowanda High School and valedictorian of the Class of 1941. He was the co-founder of the former Farner and Parker Dairy on Buffalo Street in Gowanda, which he ran until 1963. After selling his interest in the business to the Farner family, he worked construction and was an over-the-road truck driver. In the late 1960s, he and his wife opened the former Parker Liquor Store which was in business on Jamestown Street in Gowanda until their retirement in 1985.
Mr. Parker was a member of the United Methodist Church in Gowanda and was very active and held several positions within the church. Civically, he was very active with the Gowanda Lions Club, where he held several offices and was instrumental in fund-raising, especially during Easter time.
He was a past president of the Gowanda Kiwanis and also served on the board of directors for the Gowanda Moose, Gowanda Slovenian Club and Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce, chairing several committees.
He was the husband of Rose Marie (Hubacher) Parker; father of Carol (Jeff) Blake of Glendale, AZ, Sue (Jim) Degenfelder of Collins and the late Patricia J. Parker; and brother of Cynthia (James) Witt of Lake Suzy, FL and Dorothy Byers of Kenmore; also survived by four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Buffalo, 225 Como Park Boulevard, Cheektowaga, NY 14227.
Arrangements were by the Schindler Funeral Home, Gowanda.