Charles Thomas Parker Sr.

He was born October 2, 1930 to J.B. and Laura Parker in Blossom, Texas. He grew up in both East and West, Texas. In 1950, Charles was drafted into the United States Army. He spent 13 months in Korea on the front lines as Fire Director of 105 Howitzer, and made the rank of Staff Sergeant in 10 months. He served his country proudly. After 2 years of active duty and 5 years in the reserves, he was honorable discharged.

After his discharge he joined the Merced County Fire Department and retired after 25 years of service. While in the fire department he was the first to be: scuba diver, drill master, and arson fraud investigator. He belonged to the California Sheriffs Association, No. California Fire Investigators Association and Central Valley Arson Investigators Association. After retiring he served as Chief security guard from Mercy Hospital for 10 ½ years and owned 2 Picwick Fish ‘N Chips stores.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, mother, 2brothers, and 2 sisters.

He is survived by his ever-loving wife of 63 years, Bettie Parker; two children, Tom Parker and Connie Jones (Bill); granddaughters, Amber (Dave), and Krystal (Mark); five great grandchildren, Kai, Bree, Colven, Kaylin and Trent; one brother and three sisters in Texas; and one sister in California.

He loved his family deeply and spent many happy hours with family and many friends. He loved to garden and work in his yard.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 30, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Plainsburg Cemetery, 8943 East Gillette Road in Le Grand. Reception will follow at Stratford Evans Reception Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please leave remembrances to the Firefighters Burn Institute, 3101 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95826.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.