A graveside service and burial for Mr. Parker will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 7, 2004, at Prairie View Cemetery in Gilman with Rev. David Raymond of the Gilman Community U.C.C. officiating. Pallbearers will be Rick Bleeker, Art Crandon, Gary Davis, Craig Madill, Bruce Patterson and Dave Stonewell. Honorary bearers will be Al Haunsberger, Clifford Strovers and Gaylon Wunn. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Richard J. Parker Memorial Fund. Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell is handling arrangements. Richard was born July 9, 1917 on the family farm near Gilman, Marshall County, Iowa to W. John and Etta Shayer Parker. He spent his youth working and playing hard and enjoyed life with his extended family. Following graduation from Gilman High School, and later, Simpson College, he was employed in industrial management. He served his family, country, and community throughout his life. Nearly 4 years of his time, almost all stationed in the South Pacific Theater of operations, was spent in the U.S. Army during WW II. Following the war, he returned home to Gilman and farm and family. On November 17, 1946, he married Dorothy M. Westlund in Marshalltown. Together they raised two children: son, John D. (Susan) Parker of Gilman and daughter, Mary (Gary) Bleeker of Sioux Center. He was a member of the Gilman Community Church, various service clubs, Masons, American Legion, and served on the town council as well as many years on the local co-op board. Richard enjoyed people. Daily trips to a restaurant for the conversation were always a high priority. Visits with neighbors around the stove were amongst his fondest boyhood memories. In later years he traveled often to Europe to see the world and meet the people. He was always glad to return home. His loyalty to the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes never wavered. Richard passed away December 3, 2004. At the time of his death he resided on the same century farm on which he was born. He is survived by his son and daughter and two grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife; and one sister.