Franklin H. Parker

Frank Hoel Parker passed away peacefully on July 31, 2013 at Sylvia’s House. Frank was born Aug. 15, 1934 in Somerset, PA, the adopted son of Franklin Stevens Parker and Marie Teresa Hoel Parker. Frank attended Placer High School in Auburn, CA. Frank enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Aug. 18, 1950 at the age of 16. He served during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He was aboard 7 carriers during his naval career. The USS Essex CV9, USS Bennington CV20, USS Valley Forge CV45, USS Philippine Sea CV47, USS Ranger CV4, USS Enterprise CV6, USS Yorktown CV10 and Fighter Squadron VF54. He received the following decorations, medals and ribbons during his career: United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 2 Unit Commendation Ribbons, Expert Pistol Shot Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, awarded 6 Good Conduct Medals, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross), Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V,” Veterans Service Medal with one Silver star; Letters of Commendations, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Vietnam Campaign Medal and Meritorious Unit Citation with one Bronze star. Frank attained the rank of Master Chief Aviation Ordanceman receiving an honorable discharge on Nov. 2, 1974 at China Lake, CA. Frank worked in Washington DC after the service for 15 years as a Defense Contractor. He moved to Rolling Green, Ocala, FL in March 1996. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Stevens Parker and Marie Hoel Parker and his son, Frank Martin Parker. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; daughters, Pamela Kay McPike (John) of Rancho Cordova, CA; Lori Ann Carson (Steve) of Chesapeake, VA, son, Steven Wesley Parker (Laticia) of Denham Springs, LA, step-son, Scott L. Welcome (Wendy) of Kalispell, MT; five grandchildren, Angela, Ryan, Robert, Liam and Kendyl; four great-grandchildren, Leann, Andrew, Faith and James. A graveside service will be held at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL on Friday, August 9, 2013 at 1:30 pm. Donations can be sent to Hospice of Marion County, PO Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478. Arrangements by Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5740 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34480.