Kenneth Roden Parker

Kenneth Roden Parker made it Home on Monday, May 24, 2021, at the age of 90. He was born on October 2, 1930, at 1:00 in the afternoon as he would say and then share the story of how “they were worried that his uncle, who was in kindergarten, would get home before he was born.” He was the eldest of four children born to Vurtis Parker and Lillis Hazel Parker (nee Roden). His younger siblings included the late Richard Emmett Parker, the late Mary Geneva Parker, and William Kerry (Susan) Parker.

He grew up in Sumiton, Alabama and graduated from Dora High School. Growing up he had many interests that included raising animals, woodworking, and photography. His greatest interest was, by far, gardening which continued throughout his lifetime.

As many Southerners did in the 1950s, he moved from Alabama to Michigan with his family and began a 50-year career with Hudson’s. He attended Wayne University, as it was known at the time. He also attended Hebron Southern Baptist Church where he met and married Mary Lou Guyton of Lake City, Tennessee. Together they had two daughters: Amy (Jerry) Macks and Lana (Robert) Budde and were blessed with four grandchildren David (Erica) Budde, Nicole (Matthew) Voss, Christian (Jiwoo Park) Macks, and Mariah (Brett) Palomaki. Later, he was proud to add his four great-grandchildren Madeline, Mason, Emerson, and Adam to his family.

He was a Mason, achieving the level of 32nd-degree.

A life-long learner and avid reader, he had an extensive library on a wide variety of subjects. More than anything else, he enjoyed studying the Bible and learning about church history and could speak extensively on the subject.

Kenneth made a profession of faith at the age of 21 and was baptized at Sumiton First Baptist Church. Throughout his lifetime he was involved in church ministry and served in different capacities such as youth leader, music ministry leader, Sunday School teacher, and deacon.

He made Pine Ridge of Hayes Assisted Living his home for the last nine years, with the support of Guardian Personal Care staff. Our family will be forever grateful for the care and concern shown to him and our family over the years.

His favorite hymn was “It is Well with My Soul.” As the words of the song read, “the sky, not the grave is our goal… Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.” His family takes great comfort in knowing that he is now in the presence of The Lord. Amen.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 26, from 3:00 PM until the time of service at 6:00 PM, at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Road, in Warren.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Masonic charity Children's Dyslexia Centers, would be greatly appreciated.