Lee Parker

Lee Parker was born “Ivin Lee Pyle” on March 5, 1941, in El Dorado, Kansas to Olive and Ralph Pyle. He was the oldest of six siblings: Ralph, Rozan, Paralee, Rodger, and Joe. During his adolescence, he moved to California where he resided for the rest of his days. Prior to enlisting in the Marines, he decided to take on his stepdad’s (Bob Parker) last name and legally became Lee Parker.

After his 10th grade year, Lee joined the United States Marine Corps and married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Maines, in July of 1961. They shortly welcomed their first child, Tami, who was followed by Mark and Heather to complete their family. Lee served time in Vietnam and was later honorably discharged from the Marines in 1975 following a training accident. He then continued his career as a security guard for Hershey Chocolate Factory where he spent over twenty years working before his retirement. Sadly, Bonnie passed in June of 1995. Lee stayed close to family and began attending church regularly. This is where he met his second wife Opal (Bo). They resided in Modesto where they remained married until Opal’s passing in 2015.

Lee enjoyed working outside on his yard, gambling at Black Oak, and his seven-pound Yorkie, Ginger. He truly enjoyed making people happy by cooking and baking for them. Lee is survived by his three children (Tami Gilmer, Mark Parker, and Heather Wick (married to Stephen Wick)), nine grandchildren (Justin, Mark, Jessica, Brandon, Tiffany, Brook, Brittney, Tyler, and Kierstin), three great-grandchildren (Milo, Owen and Addy Grace), and his extended family from his second marriage. Lee was a very proud Marine and the best cookie maker around. He will always be missed by those who knew and loved him.

A graveside service for Lee will be held Saturday, December 31, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakewoodHughson.com for the Parker family.