Allen G. Parke

Allen Parke, 95, passed away June 13 2017. He was born October 7, 1921 in Lansing MI. He attended Lansing Central High School and worked at Reo Motors to earn money for college. He served in the Army Corp of Engineers in both the European and Pacific theaters of WW II. After the army, he attended Michigan State College on the GI bill. Upon graduation, he worked in Saginaw where he met his wife, Ruth Elaine Wright. He was called back into the Army shortly after his marriage for the Korean Conflict and served in Washington DC. Upon returning to Lansing, he owned Capital Business Service and did bookkeeping and tax services for many small businesses in the Lansing area. He then moved to Simplified Tax where he served as Vice President. He worked there until his retirement. He enjoyed working part time as a Simulated Patient at the MSU Medical School for 20 years while retired.

Allen was an Assistant Scoutmaster to a generation of Scouts of Troop 39, and led a group to Philmont Scout Ranch in 1969. He also served as President and Box office manager for Lansing Civic Players. He stage managed for "The Social Security Scandals" while Ruth performed, and enjoyed traveling the country with the troupe.

Allen loved the outdoors, especially fishing and camping. He also enjoyed travel. He and Ruth visited Europe and the Far East.

Most of all, Allen loved his family. He especially loved big family gatherings with all of his nieces and nephews, and had a memorable week-long 90th birthday party with his extended family.

Allen was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Ruth. He is survived by his children, Peggy Parke and her husband Denis Sullivan of DeWitt, and Joe Parke and his wife Jane Magdanz of Snohomish, WA; and his much loved nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held 12:30 PM Thursday, June 29, 2017, at Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw, Lansing with Rosemary Sullivan officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday 6-8 PM and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greater Lansing Food Bank or Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is being served