Robert V. "Bob" Parker

Robert V. "Bob" Parker, 96, passed away Saturday, August 25, 2012 at his farm in Half Way, MO. Bob was the oldest son of Arvel W. and Anna M. (Jenkins) Parker. He was born November 15, 1915 in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from Fremont High School, where he met his future wife, Marcia Choquette. Bob and Marcia married February 7, 1937. They had three children, Donna, Susan and Steve. Health issues prevented him from joining the military. His wartime contribution was with North American Aviation. His lifetime career began with Gerber Baby Products in 1946 as a salesman. Starting in southern California, promotions with Gerber's took him to Minnesota in 1959 and in 1969 he became West Central Division Sales Manager in Overland Park, KS. Bob always wanted a home in the country and he realized his dream when he and Marcia moved to their Halfway, MO farm in 1982. Bob was very active in his community. He was an Elk, an instructor for the Dale Carnegie Course, a past president of the Allied Food Club, on the board of the Half Way Volunteer Fire Department and past president of the Half Way Lions Club. He was never just a “name on a list." He served on committees, held office and was ready to do whatever needed to be done. As a Lion he held many offices, i.e. local, district and state. His highest achievement in Lion's Club was District Governor in 2000. His focus was on local youth and he was successful in chartering the first Leo's club in the southwest region of the state. Bob's dedication helped sustain the Leo's for over 10 years. He was motivated to have every Leo member realize and reach their potential. Bob received numerous awards and accolades from the many organizations he volunteered for, including Lion of the Decade from Half Way Lion's Club and the International Melvin Jones Fellowship. Bob's favorite quote was; "No man knows the hour of his ending, nor can he choose the place or the manner of his going. To each it is given to die proudly, to die well, and this is indeed, the final measure of the man." -- - Louis L'Amour He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcia, his sister, Iona Stout, his brother Paul Parker, and his son-in-law Gerald Sellers. He is survived by sister, Beth Edwards, his children, Donna James, Susan Parker Sellers and Stephen Parker, six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Bob’s wishes were to have cremation. Memorial services will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri with Becky Legan officiating under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 6:30-7:30pm, Friday, September 21, 2012 at the Butler Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family requests you do a good deed for a child or animal in Bob's memory. Friends and family may sign the guestbook or leave private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Robert V. "Bob" Parker

November 15, 1915 - August 25, 2012