Joseph Wayman Parker

Joseph Wayman Parker was born in Baltimore, Maryland on June 3, 1925 to Colson Parker and Ethel Parker, nee Augustus. He was the youngest of three children.

Joseph become a Merchant Seaman at age 17. He served in the US Army as a paratrooper during World War II until one unfortunate jump left him with a disability. He was a proud service veteran.

Young Joe’s personality and “Gift of Gab” was a source extra income as a disc jockey on a local Baltimore R&B radio station. During his working life, Joe was a shop owner and a private investigator. Later in life he worked transporting clients to medical visits and driving for Howell Funeral Home.

Joe was divorced and single for many years until he met Chihoko Bell, also a divorcee. His second marriage expanded his family to include a host of in-laws, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, cousins and life-long friends.

Joe and Chihoko were soulmates. They enjoyed travel and Family. They enjoyed boating, together with steamed blue crabs and beer. They enjoyed long road trips, flea markets, and open-air jazz concerts. They enjoyed BBQ, sushi, cow foot, and “any dessert.”

When his wife suffered a major medical crisis in July 2013, she needed long-term nursing care. Joe visited her dutifully nearly every day. Ever faithful, ever loving. Joe and Chihoko moved from Baltimore to join their Indianapolis Family in August 2022. They took up residence at Robin Run Village. Less than a year later, he lost his cherished wife of 35 years.

Joe gradually got back into the mainstream at the senior living facility. In April 2024, he took Honor Flight #40 from Indianapolis to Washington DC, along with 83 comrades. He was the oldest veteran to make the trip that day.

Joseph Wayman Parker was celebrated this past June for reaching his 100th Birthday and recognized for having lived a very long life of achievement, travel, and community service.

He is survived by his son, David Parker; by a step-daughter, Cynthia Bell Gardner (Gene); by a step-son, Michael W. Bell; by a second-cousin, Trazana Beverley; and all their children, grandchildren, and cousins. Joe is survived by his sister-in-law, Harue Igashiki (You-ichi) and Chihoko’s family. Joan Howell (Willie) and Dee-Dee Neely (Michael) will also deeply miss him.