Ronald L. Parker

Mr. Ronald Lynn (Ron) Parker, 81, current resident of Sun City, Arizona and a former resident of Columbus, Indiana, entered eternal life on May 23, 2015, after battling a long-term illness with respiratory complications. He was a patient at Hospice of The Valley in Glendale, AZ at the time of his death.

Mr. Parker was born on January 31, 1934, in Columbus IN, the son of Lydia P and Hobart H Parker. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1951, and he also attended Franklin College, where he met his lifelong wife Mary F. (Hemphill) Parker. During the years the couple resided in Columbus they were members of the First Christian Church. Ron was a member of DeMolay, Sports Car Club of America (Indianapolis chapter), Fraternal Order of Police. Ron learned meat cutting skills from his father during the years they worked together at Parker's Market. Prior to his retirement, he worked at jobs selling insurance, cars, satellite systems and manufactured homes. His interests were rally racing, photography, coin & gun collecting, playing trumpet, boating, & talking to people worldwide from his ham radio, & he especially enjoyed time spent with family & friends. They moved to Sun City Arizona January 2002 where they resided together for the remainder of his retirement years.

Ron is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary F. Parker of Sun City AZ; Sons: Bruce (Robin) Parker of Columbus, IN, Brian (Louise) Parker of Honolulu HI, Brent Parker of Columbus, IN; Daughters: Beverly Parker of Columbus IN, Barbara (Parker) Allen of Phoenix AZ. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Amy (J.J.) Weddell, Angie Tolen, Alan (Laura) Parker all of Columbus IN; and five great grandsons, Nathan, Landon, Bryson, Cameron and Grady.

Funeral arrangements have been made with Jewell- Rittman Funeral Home, 25th St., Columbus, IN on June 6, 2015. Calling hours will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., at which time a memorial service will be held. Immediately thereafter will be the burial at Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus. After the funeral a memorial picnic will be held at 1:00 pm, at Mill Race Park the playground area in Columbus where family and friends will gather in celebration of Ron Parker's life. An memorial will be held in Sun City, Arizona, dates and time still pending.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The American Lung Association at http://www.lung.org/. Condolences and memories from family and friends can be posted online at the following website blog http://ronaldlynnparker.weebly.com